The Department for Social Protection

[Blair]

This is the official page for the department of social protection, which is one of the 'mega' offices which covers a wide range of portfolios including Health, Labor and Welfare. This page will be regularly updated with policy ideas, upcoming legislation and speeches. We've got a great task ahead of us building this great nation, and I'm sure the new Coalition Government will be a beacon of light for all citizens.

X Blair, Minister for Social Protection

[Cassius]

Honoured to be serving as Junior Minister in this department.

[Blair]

Apologies for taking longer than expected in publishing anything, I'm currently drafting policy and consulting the rest of the Cabinet and Cassuis about the plans that I have for this department. Watch this space...

[Blair]

In the New Dawn of South America we face a unique opportunity and challenge-the challenge to ensure that opportunity can be passed to all our communities from coast to coast. With a stable, pragmatic and progressive coalition government in office the bold steps necessary can be taken to ensure that all citizens are given a fair deal.

Healthcare- For too many citizens healthcare is simply too expensive, too outdated and too reliant on charities and weakened state organisations. With an ageing population, rising drug costs and a lack of investment it's clear that South America needs a new deal for healthcare. All citizens should have access to healthcare, regardless of their paycheck. But it's not simply enough to strive universal healthcare for all our citizens, we need a fully funded health service that can provide universal care. Healthcare reform will be a top priority of this department-a healthy South America is a happy South America.

Welfare- First and foremost there must be a safety net for those who need it most in our society. South America is a land of great opportunity, but also of great suffering. Poorer regions such as Bolivia suffer from poverty rates reaching nearly 40%. For this reason food stamp schemes, education credits and other schemes must be kept in place to ensure that the most vulnerable do not suffer. Wider problems should be highlighted though-too many people are in informal work or lack any work at all. With Chancellor Detreichs' plans I'm confident we can build a strong economy, because only then can we lift people out of poverty. A strong safety net combined with economic empowerment will be the central aim of our welfare system.

Education- The 2000 UN development goals put education at the centre of international development, and for a good reason. 1 million people over the age of 15 in Bolivia can't read, and across South America many children from rural families only attend school for 4 years. Much like with healthcare and welfare by tackling education we can ensure that everyone get's an opportunity to a good start in life. This government will not just focus on the early years though. One of our main aims will be to generate a hub of world class universities that give our students the skills they need to compete on the global market 

[Blair]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Comments made to the House today about the Earthquake in Chile

[Blair]

'The biggest challenge facing the developing world is that of health inequality. How can we advance with a united voice, with a united destiny and with a united future if our people face such hardships. Before the Conservative-Liberal coalition we faced a challenge where the mother experiencing poverty in Bolivia faced great hardships, yet the mother in Brazil has access to a world class healthcare system free at the point of use. This cannot be overlooked, and has been the focus of my department over the last couple of weeks.

Our socialist opposition, who have been in the midst of their own battles have accused this government of being slow to act. We know what their solution would be-choas! Here we are seeing the birth of a new union, with a new destiny. We cannot rush our actions, even if our intentions are sincere. A number of solutions to our healthcare situation have been considered my friends, and as I said at the beginning the solution must protect the most vulnerable in our society.

For this reason my department is at this moment finishing legislation that will create the largest universal medical credit system seen in South America. This system will ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable in our society have access to affordable healthcare. The system will use regional health boards to determine funding, set guidelines and cater for different healthcare systems. The health challenges facing Brazil are much different to those facing Columbia

This credit will mean that poor farm workers will able to go health clinics, it will mean that young mothers will get vital check ups and regular care from midwives and it will mean that as one nation we can embrace our shared future.''

[Blair]

Limited Access for the next couple of days-starting uni