Stewart Barbara: Social Security Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
Stewart Barbara: Social Security Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
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BARBARA STEWART (NZ First) 
: 
 I rise on behalf of New Zealand First to support the third reading of the Social Security Amendment Bill. In New Zealand First we believe that the employment of New Zealanders is a priority and that we cannot afford to limit the labour-market capacity in any way if the economy is to grow. We all want the economy to grow and we hear about that daily in this House. People who are able to work should be given the right services and support so that they can retain find or move towards employment. 
The focus on work is a very positive feature of this bill and it is one we would expect any Government to have particularly a National Government. When we hear from National members that they are very reluctant to support this initiative yet daily they bring the issue of unemployment to the House—whether it be the household labour force survey figures or the unemployment figures—this is indeed surprising. 
The welfare system can never be a lifestyle choice for people who are able to work. In New Zealand First we recognise too that there is a small group of people for whom work is not an appropriate choice as they have high health needs. We also know that some people need help at times and we believe that the welfare system should provide a helping hand particularly when people need it most. 
In New Zealand First we like the emphasis that this bill has on planning requirements for a working future for those who are able to do so. If people do not know what they want to achieve or to do with their life then they will never ever achieve it. One of the hardest things for people who are looking for work is to work out the direction in which they wish to go. We are very pleased to see that some assistance will be given in this area and that people’s circumstances like transport training education and ability will be taken into account. We know that people often need to be helped to set realistic goals then helped to achieve them. I remember some years ago that quite a number of the people who went to the Work and Income New Zealand office wanted to be acrobats astronauts or clowns. Although for some people those goals might be achievable I would say that for most people they definitely are not. In the main they are unrealistic career choices. 
The encouragement for 16 and 17-year-olds to be actively involved in education and training is extremely positive. We applaud that. New Zealand First believes in the concept of mutual obligations. When a person is unable to get paid employment the State will pay that person on the understanding that he or she is involved in making some contribution back to the community. Of course that contribution can be training or some pre-employment programme. We believe that that type of programme helps people to understand what is required in a job. 
Work experience is a valuable training ground for employment. We believe that work experience should be for only a limited time as young people need to be actively engaged in the workforce and to receive the right payment for what they are doing. We do not want to see unfair advantage taken of any beneficiary. We can only commend the very many employers in the retail sector and the fast-food industry who put so much effort into hiring and training young people. All of the aspects of the world of work that we take for granted have to be taught to most young people such as getting to work on time; focusing on one task for 8 hours or so; working the required length of time in the day; keeping their uniform tidy; working as part of a team; and working safely—the list just goes on. 
Ensuring that young people have these skills is not easy. As a parent I know that it is a challenge. My son had some challenges initially when he went to work as a trolley assistant at a supermarket. It was quite a challenge to have to focus on that job for 8 hours but I am pleased to say that he has achieved it and he is very happy to be there. It is essential that young people learn these skills and learn for themselves that they can achieve greater heights on money they have actually earned than if they are dependent on a benefit and basically having the State dictate the level of their living. Everyone needs to feel that he or she matters and makes a contribution in some way. The focus on work is one of the ways we can do this. 
In New Zealand First we are very pleased that the number of young people on a benefit is steadily reducing. The negative outcomes that result from unemployment—the mental health issues the substance abuse issues and criminal activities—are all aspects of life that we do not want young people involved in or with. Success in employment training and education are definitely the most important ways out of poverty and all the research shows this. Dr Muriel Newman a former ACT MP always emphasised that families and people cannot succeed when they are living on a benefit. 
We are pleased to see too that the work focus has been extended to people on other benefits as well particularly the sickness benefit and the invalids benefit. We have been concerned at the growing trend of those on the unemployment benefit being moved on to the sickness benefit but the reality for some people is that being out of work and on the unemployment benefit makes them ill and basically unable to work. The hardest thing in life is often to take the first step and it is a good initiative to provide support and services for people so that this step can be successful and so that they can have a future they are looking forward to. 
We were interested and pleased to see that the stand-down period for benefits has been reduced from 10 weeks to 2 weeks. I always wondered how people affected by unemployment could look after themselves and their families for 10 weeks without any form of assistance. A large percentage of these people would not have been highly paid and like most people would have been waiting for pay day and to survive for a long period of time without money must be extremely challenging. I know that Sue Bradford would agree with me on this particular issue—she is nodding. This change to the stand-down period is a positive change. We want to encourage people to be involved. We do not want to encourage people to be involved with loan sharks or with any questionable activities in order to get the money they need to survive. 
The select committee’s change to extend the provision for the blind to travel overseas for vocational training is positive and must be commended. It is paramount that people with disabilities can undertake training overseas when that training is not available here in New Zealand. 
In New Zealand First we know that working adults are the basis of a successful society and we are very pleased to see the constructive measures that are outlined in this bill. People today face a far more complex and challenging environment than ever before and gaining full-time employment can be extremely difficult partially as a result of economic conditions. So assistance such as that outlined in this bill is a very positive change. We want people to participate in the workforce and we want them to be able to do so. The benefits of working outweigh the benefits of not working. The reality is that all jobs matter. They are all essential; otherwise they would not be created. 
The direction in this bill is sound and it is sound for any Government to take. We would be very critical of this bill if such measures were not being followed. We like the philosophy that is fundamental to this bill. Everyone should be encouraged to work if they possibly can do so. New Zealand First supports this bill.