10. Benefits—Work SchemeHon SIMON BRIDGES (National—Tauranga) to the Minister for Regional Economic DevelopmentBenefits—Work Scheme10. Hon SIMON BRIDGES (National—Tauranga) to the Minister for Regional Economic Development: Does he stand by his statement I am going to take proposals to Cabinet. I'm calling it Work for the Dole"; if so how many jobs does he expect his programme to create?Hon SHANE JONES (Minister for Regional Economic Development): Yes in relation to taking proposals to Cabinet along with the Minister of Employment. In relation to what it will be called no doubt Cabinet will suitably christen it. In respect of how many people the programme will deal with I would point out that it takes 1250 planters to plant a million trees a day. A hundred days' work—a hundred million a year; times 10—a billion trees.Hon Simon Bridges: Does he agree with the New Zealand Herald's editorial this morning that said his "work scheme deserves a chance" and that "he has the energy and experience to make it work"; and if so what arguments will he be making to convince his Cabinet colleagues that it's a good idea?Hon SHANE JONES: In relation to arguments that I might muster the first thing that I've taken on board is some sage-like counsel: when one front-foots an issue do not completely shoot one's own foot.Hon Simon Bridges: Well does he agree with Barry Soper who said "It's hard to see Jones winning considering the trade unions are against it."; and if not what arguments will he be making to win the unions over?Hon SHANE JONES: It's a rather perverse outcome that I should be talking about the unions in my particular role; suffice to say I'm working with the Minister of Employment. Proposals will wend their way through Cabinet and I'm sure that you'll find there's a suitable blend of stick and carrot.Hon Simon Bridges: What consequences does he think there should be for young people who decline to participate in his programme?Hon SHANE JONES: Once again I'm sure that other Ministers belonging to Cabinet will provide their perspectives and balance my views that I reflect as a Ngāpuhi chief.Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern: Can the Minister confirm that we are in total agreement that placing young people in paid decent employment is an aspiration this Government totally shares?Hon SHANE JONES: Yes and on matters of nomenclature what is a name? A rose by any other name is just as sweet.Hon Simon Bridges: Well given the seeming consensus on the other side of the House what is wrong with there being consequences for failing to work?Hon SHANE JONES: What is wrong is that for nine years former Ministers on the other side of the House talked a big book and did jack.Hon Simon Bridges: Is the Minister backing down on Work for the Dole meaning many will be destined to meaningless lives on the couch when he's spent years on this and many in the media as well as the general public absolutely agree with him?Hon SHANE JONES: Once again prior to Christmas I'm confident—such a busy schedule in our Cabinet committees—that answers will reveal themselves for the other side of the House.Rt Hon Winston Peters: Could I ask the Minister if one of the employment programmes he might contemplate would be training a number of diction trainers so that they could possibly help that member ask questions that are halfway understandable in this House?Hon SHANE JONES: Not wanting to trivialise—Mr SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] Sit down! Sit down! You are going to withdraw and apologise aren't you?Hon SHANE JONES: I certainly would never trivialise the House or the House's man.Mr SPEAKER: The member will stand withdraw and apologise.Hon SHANE JONES: I stand withdraw and apologise sir.Mr SPEAKER: No. The member stands up and he says "I withdraw and apologise."Hon SHANE JONES: Sir I withdraw and apologise.Mr SPEAKER: I think the member's been absent for some time but I don't think his memory's that bad."