www.oocities.org/ubinz/press/1999C15DominionWINZ.html

by Karen Howard, Dominion, 15 Dec 1999
 

Work and Income NZ got it wrong in more than three out of every five cases examined by its benefit review committees last year

The number of complaints taken against the department has increased from 1923 in 1997-1998 to 2050 last financial year, yet the number of cases where the department was proved right has dropped from 854 to 813.

A benefit review committee hearing looked at any new in formation relating to the case, ensured the legislation was applied correctly and that any discretion allowed had been exercised appropriately and according to the facts in the case. It was also an opportunity to ensure all avenues of assistance had been explored, the department said.

Spokeswoman Kate Joblin said she understood the majority of decisions (60 per cent) were changed by the review committee mainly because it was often presented with more information than frontline staff.

Of the cases not upheld by the committee last year, 114 were taken to the Social Security Appeal Authority, which overturned 30 (26 per cent) of the review committee decisions.

Wellington Downtown Ministry director Kevin Hackwell said the ministry was increasingly acting on behalf of beneficiaries, and advising them to seek reviews and appeals.

"It's about an attitude that some [Winz] staff and certainly senior management appear to have that they should minimise how much is paid out.

"There's lots of interpretations of rules and law that are restrictive and policies that we feel are wrong in law".

The ministry had "several" cases which it was now appealing in the High Court, he said.

"We feel the [Social Security Appeal] authority is being quite conservative at the moment."

It was also of concern that many more beneficiaries were not getting their full entitlements, but did not have confidence, resources or time to seek reviews or appeals, Mr Hackwell said.

"A lot of the people go to the department for emergency help. They get turned down and by the time they apply for a review it's too late.

"One of the problems is the department is minimising its paperwork, so fewer people are being told in writing about the decision being made and their review rights. People are encouraged to ask about their entitlements over the phone."

All approaches made to the department about benefits needed to be recorded, he said.