Upston LouiseHon LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupō): Thank you Mr Chair. Sorry to my colleagues; I know that there are a number of them that want to make contributions as well.I just want to back up the amendment that Maureen Pugh has put on the Table today because one of the opportunities in a piece of legislation like this is to provide support to those who need it most. It is a real opportunity for the Government to make some very minor but practical changes that make a difference to the very New Zealanders we want to support. Before I move on to an amendment in my name I want to just very strongly support Maureen Pugh. If the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) were to work with those people coming out of prison—we know when they're going to be released—ahead of time to ensure that they had the necessary documentation—some have no ID they have no bank account and therefore their ability to get financial support is incredibly limited. So we see that there is an opportunity if one of the obligations on beneficiaries—which is Part 3 Subpart 3—is to have a bank account then equally we'd like to see that there is a change in the legislation to enable that to happen.The amendment that I want to talk to next—and I know that my parliamentary colleagues on this side of the Chamber will want to talk to others. I want to move on to some of the obligations in Part 3 Subpart 3. This one in particular is under the subheading of Specific obligations: work-test obligations". In clause 131 it talks about the "Meaning of suitable employment". The amendment in my name is to clause 131 and it inserts a new section so that there are some factors that MSD must have regard to in the deeming of suitable employment. We've seen some very recent examples around seasonal work shortages. We've seen examples of severe skill shortages in some areas both across industry sectors and around geographic areas whether it's building and construction whether it is kūmara in Dargaville whether it is picking apples in the Hawke's Bay or whether it is in my own neck of the woods with asparagus. This amendment to clause 131 inserting new section 131(1) would be to say that MSD must have regard to regional skill shortages seasonal work and the local rate of unemployment when determining if employment is suitable. This directly relates to suitable employment in clause 131.This advantages obviously the person that is seeking employment. It also advantages MSD in terms of that work brokering or a matching of those seeking and available for work as well and I know the Government are very supportive of regional economic development initiatives. It provides a really important solution to some of those challenges that employers and industries are seeing on the ground. So I'd like to see and I'd like to hear from the Minister in the chair Peeni Henare about his views on including this clause clause 131 which is in Part 3 of the Social Security Legislation Rewrite Bill—for those that have just tuned in. It's Subpart 3 which we haven't had any discussion on yet. I think I'm the first call on this particular subpart heading which is "Specific obligations: work-test obligations".It's very much aimed at ensuring that if there is a work test obligation—which of course we know is in place—how do we actually make that more workable? How do we make it work for the person that is seeking employment? Employment obviously is a great opportunity for an individual and a family to get ahead. So by adding this element in it's a fantastic opportunity to match someone who's looking for work as well as local employers. I'm sure as I look across the Chamber there are a few regional MPs. I'm sure you've met with employers that have been really struggling to fill those gaps. I'm really committed and I'm sure that we want to see Kiwis in those jobs."