Paula Bennett

Television appearances

For several years Bennett appeared on TV One's Breakfast with friend Labour MP Darren Hughes.

Intervention in brawl among teenagers

In January 2009, Bennett was about to enter her local shopping mall in Henderson when she saw a group of around 30 teenagers fighting outside the mall. She intervened to break up the fighting before Police arrived, earning praise as a "tough lady", and arranged community networking to address the underlying issues.^[15]

Eisenhower Fellowship

In March 2010, Bennett accepted an Eisenhower fellowship. The prestigious six week Fellowship in the United States was awarded to only 20 women around the world who were identified as outstanding leaders.^[16]

Allegations of inconsistency

Bennett has been criticised by opponents for the inconsistency between her personal history of reliance on government social welfare benefits, including financial support for tertiary study, and a "hardline" approach to benefit policies when she became a minister. In particular, the Training Incentive Allowance (TIA) was abolished under her leadership, after she had received this allowance herself as a student.^[17][18]

Another policy change often cited has been the requirement for single parents in receipt of the Domestic Purposes Benefit to look for part time work when their child turned six. Previously there was no work requirement until the youngest child turned 18 years old. Bennett also introduced a requirement for those on an Unemployment Benefit to reapply after one year.^[19][20]

Release of private information about beneficiaries

In July 2009, Bennett deliberately released the benefit details of two beneficiaries, Natasha Fuller and Jennifer Johnston, who had criticised the Government's policy of abolishing the Training Initiative Allowance (TIA).^[21] Bennett said she believed she had "implied consent" for the release of the information.^[22]

The Privacy Commissioner investigated Bennett's actions after receiving a complaint, and later referred the matter to the Director of Human Rights Proceedings for the Human Rights Commission. On 15 August 2012, the director announced the resolution of the complaint, saying, "On the basis of the Minister’s letter to me, I have agreed to close my file. The matter has been resolved to the satisfaction of all parties."^[23][24]

Christine Rankin appointment

In May 2009, Bennett controversially appointed Christine Rankin as a Families Commissioner, prompting negative media publicity focused on Rankin’s relationship with a man whose wife committed suicide.^[25]

Job numbers claims

In November 2012, a week after unemployment was reported at 7.3 percent – a 13-year high – Bennett read out job listings in Parliament, claiming there were "300 jobs" available at retailer The Warehouse, if anyone wanted them, as well as 40 jobs at retailer Bunnings. The Warehouse refuted this claim, saying it only had 30 jobs available, and Bunnings only had three advertised.^[26]