Home Care Worker Highlights Double Standard in MP Mileage Allowance Controversy

A home care worker has publicly criticized the New Zealand government for what she describes as a double standard in mileage allowance policies, highlighting the disparity between increased subsidies for frontline care workers and significantly higher rates available to Members of Parliament.

The criticism follows a recent government announcement increasing mileage rates for home and community support workers by 30%, raising the fuel subsidy from 63.5 cents to 82.5 cents per kilometre. Health Minister Simeon Brown stated the increase would remain in place for 12 months or until the price of 91 octane petrol falls below $3 per litre for four consecutive weeks.

The adjustment means care workers will receive an additional $19.05 for every 100 kilometres travelled between clients. The government described the change as “timely, targeted, and temporary support” to address immediate cost pressures facing frontline workers delivering essential care services.

However, Labour health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall criticized the increase as insufficient, arguing that mileage rates had not been raised since 2022 and that the current adjustment “doesn’t even cover the last month of petrol price hikes.” She contended that the measure falls well short of the actual costs incurred by workers in their daily duties.

The home care worker, speaking to Radio New Zealand, pointed out that while support workers received a modest increase, MPs continue to claim substantially higher mileage allowances for using private vehicles for parliamentary work. She characterized this discrepancy as evidence of government double standards, particularly given the essential nature of care work compared to parliamentary duties.

The Radio New Zealand program “Govt double standards over mileage rates paid to MPs” featured the care worker’s comments, noting that relief teachers also received similar mileage rate increases earlier this month. The program emphasized that the amount politicians can claim for work-related travel remains considerably higher than the rates now available to care and support workers.

Minister Brown defended the policy, stating that while the government cannot control global fuel prices, it can ensure that workers delivering essential care are supported to keep services running. He framed the temporary increase as recognition of the vital role these workers play in the health system and as a measure to help maintain quality care delivery.

The debate highlights ongoing tensions over public sector compensation and cost-of-living adjustments, with care workers arguing that current support measures fail to adequately address the financial burdens imposed by rising fuel costs on their essential work.