Lotu-Iiga Sam: Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume 
Lotu-Iiga Sam: Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
[Sitting date: 12 June 2012. Volume:680;Page:2869. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA (National—Maungakiekie) 
: 
 I rise to support the second reading of the Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill. It is a pleasure to support Minister Bennett and Prime Minister Key in bringing these reforms to the House. These changes as the Minister for Social Development has pointed out are well overdue. We know that 13 percent of our working-age population are on a benefit. We know that we spend more than $7 billion on benefits annually and that is $20 million per day or $67000 for the time it will take me to give this speech. Critically we know that 220000 Kiwi kids grow up in benefit-dependent homes. We know that long-term welfare dependency is failing our families and their kids. This National Government behind Minister Bennett is standing up and saying that we are going to do something about it. We believe that those who can work should work. But we know that those seeking work sometimes need encouragement and support. These welfare reforms will provide that. Crucially we believe that those who are in genuine need of assistance—those whom Ms Ardern talks about—will receive welfare going forward.  
So how does the Government achieve this? Well it does it by investing into the future of our families—the lifeblood of our communities—for the benefit of our nation. Budget 2012 provides an upfront investment of $287 million to support more long-term beneficiaries into work.  
Le’aufa’amulia Asenati Lole-Taylor 
: Going forward? 
Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA 
: That is right. It is about facts as Ms Ardern asked. The facts are that $80 million will go into early childhood education childcare. More facts—$55 million will go into front-line services to assist job seekers and sole parents into work. More facts—$149 million will go into wraparound services which I will come to later in this speech.  
So what does this bill do to help people into work? Well it places on young people receiving the new youth payment or young parent payment obligations to improve their educational and social outcomes. These changes though are not merely about reform; they are about changing the focus attitude and behaviour of those on welfare. This will have a greater emphasis on work and support those people in every way to achieve their own dreams and aspirations and that of their families. It is about getting behind people. [ 
Interruption 
] That is right. It is about getting behind people so that they can realise what they can do not what they cannot do as Ms Ardern keeps pointing out. Resources will be available particularly to those who are at risk of long-term welfare dependence. Young people will be supported to make better choices: to stay in education training or work. They will be provided with financial incentives.  
Dr Rajen Prasad 
: Nobody believes this. 
Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA 
: That is what this bill does Mr Prasad. They will be provided with financial incentives to utilise budgeting services and parenting programmes. These are part of the wraparound services and assistance for those receiving benefits.  
We are no longer just going to hand over benefits like the Labour Government did and leave people to their own devices. Instead we are going to take an active work-based approach because we have greater aspirations for New Zealanders and their children than that lot did. This is achieved through hard work and not welfare. We want people to stand and support themselves to make good decisions that affect their lives positively. We will be there to encourage and support them. So this welfare programme will put a clear emphasis on work availability and preparation requirements for those who can work. This will affect sole parents widows women alone and partners by requiring sole parents with children aged 5 years and over to be available for part-time work. It will also require sole parents with children aged 14 and above to be available for and seek full-time work.  
Dr Rajen Prasad 
: Where is the evidence this works? 
Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA 
: But what it does—and Mr Prasad knows this but he denies it—is provide clear expectations and obligations. It is a genuine partnership between the State on one side and those who receive State assistance.  
So what do these reforms look like in practice? Last year I met a young lady of 18 in my electorate of Maungakiekie. She had an 18-month-old baby and was heavily pregnant with another child. She was living in a cold damp garage and finding it hard to make ends meet. She and her family had literally—literally—fallen through the cracks and they were living in squalor. Under these new reforms we will be supporting this young woman with income support budgeting parenting services and access to training and education.  
Dr Rajen Prasad 
: Ha ha! It’s there now.  
Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA 
: Mr Prasad might laugh. He might laugh but despite his protests this young lady and her children will welcome the assistance that this Government will provide her going forward.  
Finally you hear Mr Prasad Mr Sio and others across the Chamber asking where the jobs are. I will tell them where the jobs are. The latest household labour force survey shows that more people are being employed in this country than ever before. In March 2012 there were 2230000 employed. That is more than at any time in our history. This is 30000 more people employed than when this Government took office in November 2008.  
Dr Rajen Prasad 
: How many are out of work? 
Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA 
: Do your research Mr Prasad. The SEEK website today had over 16000 jobs available online—12800 full-time 900 part-time and over 2000 for contract positions.  
As I conclude this speech I say once again to these members opposite and the people who are listening out there in New Zealand that these changes are long overdue. They will bring this welfare system into modern times. I want to congratulate the Prime Minister and Minister Bennett once again. They have tackled the very difficult issues facing our society with compassion and care. These measures will make this country bolder brighter and better again. I know that the people in Maungakiekie and New Zealanders across this land are ready for these changes. I welcome them. Long term these changes will move people out of welfare and into employment. That is good for their families. That is good for our communities and yes it is of great benefit to our country. I urge all members of this House right across this House including our Green friends over here to support this Government in bringing about these changes. I commend this bill to the House.