Pubdate: Mon, 13 Jun 2005
Source: New Zealand Herald (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2005 New Zealand Herald
Contact:  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/300
Author: New Zealand Press Association

ADDICTS FACE COMMUNITY WORK UNDER NATS

Some drug addicts and alcoholics receiving a benefit would be forced
into community work under a National Government, the party's welfare
spokeswoman Judith Collins says.

Ms Collins said there were 3500 addicts assessed as unable to work
because of sickness or disability, costing taxpayers $800,000 a week
- -- a 50 per cent rise on four years ago.

"The cost to the taxpayer of supporting substance abusers has risen
dramatically. Obviously the current system is not working," Ms Collins
said.

More needed to be done to monitor addicts' progress and help them back
into work.

Sickness and invalid's beneficiaries who were able should be
undertaking community work, or retraining, she said.

"I simply do not accept that all 3500 addicts on the sickness and
invalid's benefits are unable to do anything to help themselves or
their communities."

Ms Collins said many people with drug or alcohol problems still
contributed to their communities.

"We all know people who have still worked despite these
problems."

An example of community work they could do was work with other
addicts, she said.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin