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February 23, 2022
Early benefits boost would help Omicron prep
Peter Verschaffelt
Posted On February 23, 2022
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Photo: Radio Waatea Image Database.
Download AudioChild Poverty Action Group wants benefit increases planned for April to be brought forward.
Spokesperson Mike O’Brien says the government is telling families to stockpile food and other essentials in case they have to isolate because of Omicron – but that’s not possible for families struggling to get by week to week.
He says it’s a response to Covid and shows where its priorities have been.
“Government moved very quickly two years ago in the early days of Covid to get support into businesses, it happened almost overnight, and so the same kind of speed needs to happen in terms of providing families with the support they need,” Dr O’Brien says.
He says many parents are skipping meals so there’s enough food for their children.
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