Tuesday, November 2, 2010

The no-mess Minister

We didn't see 3News tonight, but a regular visitor has sent us a link from the bulletin. Judith Collins is covering the Social Development portfolio for Paula Bennett, and she has wasted no time in leaving her stamp on it - check this out:

The Government has put a stop to interest-free welfare loans for drunk or dangerous drivers.

Acting Social Development Minister Judith Collins said today some disqualified drivers who had applied to the courts for a temporary driving licence had been given a loan by Work and Income to meet their costs.

"The current policy on this is very clear," she said.

"Anyone who loses their licence due to a driving offence should not expect to be given taxpayer money to apply for a temporary one."


This issue arose over the weekend; by Tuesday afternoon the acting Minister has acted decisively and shut it down, in what seems to be an eminently sensible decision.

And not only has this affair given Judith Collins the opportunity to look decisive; it's also given her a platform for a memorable quote - read on:

Ms Collins said there might be exceptional circumstances where assistance would be granted, but approval would now have to come from the head of Work and Income.

"Driving is a privilege not a right. If you lose your licence because you have broken the law, be prepared to take the bus," she said.


And so say all of us! Well done Judith Collins.



20 comments:

Anonymous said...

but if others can apply for work exemptions its okay right?

so this is not about drunks getting back on the road cos that will continue to happen as the law stands.

Yet people who do lose their jobs as a result of drink driving and become unemployed are to be denied a loan to get that job back?

Would that not be the cheaper option? Well it sounds cheaper than 6 months dole while they wait for their licience ban to lift.

It just sounds fucking petty - a bit like taking smokes of prisoners.


Santa.

pdm said...

santa - you are such a dickhead.

The `others' you refer to would be paying their own costs. Some probably go to their bank for a loan.

Anonymous said...

No, you just can't see reality. what bank is going to loan $ to an unemployed person? Perhaps some do find other ways, but if you can't well it seems like a lost opportunity to get them off the dole.

But been a blinkered right-wing fuck knuckle, you just can't see, nor accept that eh?

The Gantt Guy said...

Santa + Anon, why should I have to pay for an application by some moron to get a work licence, just because said moron hasn't had the foresight to save enough money of their own to afford to make the application? It's always the same with you leftard assholes, wanting someone else (i.e. ME) to pick up the tab.

Anonymous said...

err cos despite all the morons fuck ups, its the cheaper option perhaps?

I take it you'd prefer to pay his (non-refundable)dole instead of a (refunable) loan?

fucktard :)

Chfr said...

Anon I am afraid in your statement about the banks you prove you have had no contact with this strata of society. Currently those who do not qualify for a bank loan simply go and see the loan shark when they want a t v or anything else. If getting their license back is so important to them then they can just go here....as they already do.

Inventory2 said...

@ Santa - go back to Collins' comment:

"Driving is a privilege not a right. If you lose your licence because you have broken the law, be prepared to take the bus,"

Breaking the law has consequences. If someone can afford to run a car, they can afford to pay for their own limited licence application.

Anonymous said...

so why doesn't this 'privilege' of driving apply to all? huh?

scrubone said...

so why doesn't this 'privilege' of driving apply to all? huh?

Now that's someone who clearly lacks understanding of several basic concepts in life!

Anonymous said...

as usual you lot avoided the fucking question...

Why is the privilage of driving only to be available to those who can fund their licience expemption?

What economic sense is it to keep a person unemployed just to make this point of 'no loans'?

Anonymous said...

find a girlfriend plonker

Anonymous said...

Privilege

Anonymous said...

exemption

Anonymous said...

license

Anonymous said...

Spelling not your strong point?

Anonymous said...

no.

Still avoiding the questions tho eh?

Right, off to shag Mrs Claues :)

Inventory2 said...

Heh; I thought you only came but once a year ...

Anonymous said...

Claus

Anonymous said...

You gotta have a warm fuzzy feeling inv. knowing Santa checks out your yesterdays blogs. think he quite in awe of you deep down

Mrs Santa

Anonymous said...

Must be love, love, love

Santa's Elves