Source: New Zealand National Party
Today we reignited a much-needed conversation about New Zealand’s welfare system.
National believes we need a system that is firm, fair and affordable. A safety net for Kiwis who need help, not a system that gets abused and burdens taxpayers across the country.
So, if re-elected on 7 November, here are five changes National will make to Jobseeker:
- Introduce random drug testing for Jobseekers
- Invest earlier to help 30,000 long-term Jobseekers into work, with more intensive employment support.
- Strengthen expectations after two years on Jobseeker. Those who have received Jobseeker for two of the previous three years will move to a lower payment rate.
- Double the stand-down period to 26 weeks for people who repeatedly leave work without good reason.
- Increase the residency requirement for benefits from two years to five.
Under Labour, the number of people receiving a Jobseeker unemployment benefit for more than two years surged by 60%. That’s a waste of their potential and not fair to hardworking taxpayers who fund the system.
Labour, the Greens and New Zealand First all disagree with our plan to introduce random drug testing for Jobseekers, but we know our five-point plan will provide more support to help people get off welfare and into work, while making clear that those who can work are expected to.
Authorised by J de Joux, 41 Pipitea St, Wellington.