Independent ADB Social Welfare review report released

An independent Asian Development Bank (ADB) report which contains options for consideration of changes to the Cook Islands Social Welfare System and the 1989 Welfare Act has been released on Friday with the Government saying that it remains committed to continuing support and assistance to the elderly and most vulnerable
Minister of Internal Affairs Hon Mark Brown said the 2010 ADB report which was initiated by the last Government identifies a number of specific policy considerations including changes to the Old Age Payment, Child Benefit, Newborn Allowance, Infirm and Destitute Payment, and other payments.
“Given the range of issues it traverses, Government has appointed a multi-sector committee to review the ADB report and develop a response for Government to consider. The committee includes the secretaries of the Ministries of Internal Affairs, Health, Education, Finance and Economic Management, Office of the Prime Minister, Solicitor-General of Crown Law and representatives of Cook Islands National Council of Women and Cook Islands National Disability Council.”
The committee will remain active until August 2013 and is expected to report back to Government in June 2013 with final recommendations.
In determining an appropriate Government response, the committee will be reviewing feedback from public consultations on the ADB report, long-term forecasts of the country demography and existing Government policy intentions. An actuarial study on income trends, demographic profile and Government’s fiscal parameters is currently in development and will inform any responses the Government may make in relation to the ADB Report.
Public consultations on the ADB report recommendations have already commenced, with islands in the northern group and some in the southern group since November 2011. Public meetings in Rarotonga and the remaining southern group islands are expected to be completed by 30 March 2012.
The report is available at the Ministry of Internal Affairs or can be accessed on the Government website, www.pmoffice.gov.ck

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