Paula Bennett

The Minister of Social Development speaks out about getting beneficiaries into work, and the effectiveness of job schemes like Community Max and Job Ops. Audio

The Pike River Mine families have been assured they will not be turned away from government agencies if they need immediate help. Audio

The Social Development Minister, Paula Bennett, says there are thousands of unemployed people in Christchurch who could help rebuild the city. Audio

An iwi leader is accusing the government of racism after the Social Development Minister suggested iwi stump up and help fund their own iwi based care programmes to prevent child abuse among Maori. Audio

The Government is defending its policies to deal with youth unemployment amidst revelations the Treasury advised they are poor value for money. Audio

The Minister for Social Development and Employment has defended Work and Income's determination to get people into jobs, after it sent a 78-year-old woman letters urging her to sign up for work. Audio

The government says funding benefits through insurance schemes will be looked at by a wide ranging review of the welfare system. Audio

For the second month in a row unemployment benefit numbers have dropped, with four thousand people coming off the benefit last month. Audio

We spoke to the Minister for Social Development, Paula Bennett and asked her why the changes were being implented now, while beneficiaries were still coping with the impact of recession. Audio

With John Angus - Children's Commissioner and member of forum working in the child abuse area. Dr Patrick Kelly - Consultant paediatrician Starship Hospital and spokesperson for the The Experts Forum… Audio

The Youth Court has been given tougher penalties to deal with young offenders. Audio

Minister of Social Development and Employment, Paula Bennett. Audio

The Social Development minister is promising to plough ahead with making solo-mothers on the Domestic Purposes Benefit complete at least 15 hours a week of training or work. Audio

John Key says not to panic - Employment MInister Paula Bennett agrees. Audio

An independent review of early intervention programmes aimed at the disadvantaged says that while they are working, improvements are needed. Audio

People who've been on the unemployment benefit for 12 months will have their payments cancelled if they fail to attend a compulsory meeting with Work and Income. Audio

A crisis team which will go into homes to support victims of family violence is being trialled in Auckland. Audio

The Minister of Social Development Minister Paula Bennett comments on the job situation. Audio

While the unemployment rate has hit a nine year high, the number of people signing on to the dole has dropped slightly. Audio

A new system of respite care for children being raised by their extended family is being criticised for having the potential to do more harm than good. Audio