COVID-19 Income Relief Payment with Brooke Fiafia: May 26 2020

Yesterday morning the Government announced a new financial support for people who have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19. Those eligible will receive a 12-week period of payments of $490 a week for full time workers, and $250 for part time. Auckland Action Against Poverty has welcomed this towards a step towards individualised benefits, but has deeper concerns. The relief payment, which is almost double that of the weekly payments under the main benefit, create what they call a "two-tier welfare system" – drawing an arbitrary distinction between 'deserving' and 'undeserving' welfare recipients.

Bronwyn brings you a report on the new financial support, speaking in particular to Brooke Fiafia, a spokesperson from AAAP who elaborates on their concerns.