Firm, fair, affordable welfare
A re-elected National Government will ensure the welfare system remains focused on employment and is fair and affordable for taxpayers, National’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston says.
“National believes those who can work should work. Employment is the best way out of hardship, giving people more independence, choices and opportunities. Our welfare system provides a safety net when people need it, but it must be fair and affordable for hardworking taxpayers who fund it.
“In government, National has focused on getting more people off welfare and into work, after Labour let long-term dependency grow. We’ve provided support and training for Jobseekers, while also driving expectations and consequences.
“If re-elected, National will build on this with a new five-point plan that includes the introduction of random drug testing from next year, as part of MSD’s work-readiness. It will start with 10,000 tests in the first year and expand over time.
“Our economy is growing and there are 220,000 more jobs expected over the next four years. We want every Kiwi on Jobseeker to be ready to take up available jobs, including in industries where passing a drug test is a condition of employment.
“We know there’s more to do, so along with random drug testing we’re highlighting four other new initiatives today.”
- Investing earlier to help long-term Jobseekers into work. National will provide more intensive, work-focused support for 30,000 work-ready jobseekers who have been on Jobseeker for more than a year, before long-term dependency becomes entrenched, with greater funding for employment programmes that support young people into work.
- Stronger expectations after two years. From 1 April 2028, those who have received Jobseeker for two of the previous three years will move to a lower rate of payment, with a smaller reduction for households with dependent children.
- Double the stand-down for repeated voluntary unemployment. People who repeatedly leave employment without good and sufficient reason will face a 26-week non-entitlement period, up from 13 weeks.
- Extending the benefit residency requirement to five years. From 1 April 2028, the minimum residence period to qualify for main benefits will increase from two years to five years.
“For many New Zealanders drug testing is already a normal part of their employment so it’s entirely reasonable for work-ready Jobseekers to meet the same basic expectations.
“Under our policy, a first failed test will be recorded and a second failed test will trigger a clinical alcohol and drug assessment. Where someone then fails to meet their obligations, the normal sanctions regime will apply, which could include reductions to their benefit.
“This isn’t about punishing someone because they haven't found a job. It’s about making sure people receiving Jobseeker Support meet reasonable expectations to be ready for work, which also helps ensure it is fair to hardworking taxpayers who fund the system.
“Our five-point plan will provide more help to get into work, and stronger expectations and consequences the longer someone remains on welfare or repeatedly makes choices that keep them out of work.
“It’s part of National’s wider economic plan, which sees us continue to spend sensibly and get debt down, with no new taxes. A Labour coalition would squander surpluses, hike debt and hit Kiwis with nine new taxes to pay for its spending plans – and that would mean every household paying $2263 in extra tax every year.”
National’s five-point welfare policy can be found HERE
