Story: Family welfare

DPB protesters (1st of 2)

DPB protesters

Statements in the 1970s by the National government minister of social welfare, Bert Walker, about women abusing the domestic purposes benefit (DPB) sparked protests by women’s groups. These women in Wellington, like others throughout the country, contested Walker’s view of sole parents on the DPB as bludgers and highlighted the financial hardship of women trying to rear children on this benefit. The placard reads: 'I’d like to see Bert raise a baby on $48 a week.'

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Evening Post Collection (PAColl-0614)
Reference: 1/4-028309-F

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Maureen Baker and Rosemary Du Plessis, 'Family welfare - Debating state responsibility, 1970s', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/26087/dpb-protesters (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Maureen Baker and Rosemary Du Plessis, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 29 Jun 2018