Sepuloni CarmelThird ReadingHon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development): I move That the Social Assistance Legislation (Budget 2019 Welfare Package) Amendment Bill be now read a third time.This bill gives effect to the Budget 2019 income support changes. These changes mean 339000 individuals and families will be better off. We have heard today from the Opposition on this bill. It has been a heated debate and at times rather ugly. We've heard from the other side of the House about how we're attempting to protect deadbeat dads. We heard from Jo Hayes about the fact that we're protecting people who play and walk away. We heard from Maureen Pugh about—SPEAKER: Order! I asked for that expression not to be used.Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Mr Speaker we have heard some nasty things in the debate today and I wanted to point that out because that really indicates where that side of the House is at. What the bill actually does is ensure that some of our poorest mothers and their children are not punished and thrust into further poverty because of a discriminatory policy that has proven not to work. Contrary to accusations that this bill is purely ideologically driven it is in fact evidence based—evidence that the previous Government chose to ignore. And if there is a message that we want to send it is that this Government is committed to a fairer more accessible welfare system and that's what this bill supports us to do. It is estimated that indexing benefits to wage growth will lift the incomes of around 329000 individuals and families. Most main benefit rates will increase by between an estimated $26 and $46 per week by 1 April 2023. Incremental increases will begin next year. Once again I need to say that this is significant and yes we've had the Welfare Expert Advisory Group report to us and we look forward to further considering the recommendations in that report as part of our phase two.I am pleased however to hear today that in general we seem to have a tentative consensus on the lifting of abatement rates across the House. That is something that we can be proud of. The Budget 2019 income support changes that this bill gives effect to will make a real difference to thousands of New Zealanders who rely on benefits but it should not be seen in isolation. The bill and the changes it supports build on the 2018 Families Package. By 2021 the Families Package and the Budget 2019 income support changes will meaningfully improve the lives of between 50000 and 74000 children living in poverty. The bill is part of the Government's ongoing commitment to a welfare system that ensures that people have an adequate income and standard of living are treated with respect can live in dignity and can participate meaningfully in and contribute to their communities. This bill is part of the Government's work towards a welfare system that provides people in Aotearoa with the support they need today while we work alongside them to help them reach their potential.The debate on welfare legislation in the House today has at times been nasty. It really does bring out the worst in right-wing ideology. I genuinely feel sad for those who have to bear the brunt of such misinformed judgmental and mean-spirited attitudes. Attitudes like this have never helped any individual family or us as a county to get ahead. There is no place for discrimination of people based on income beneficiary or family status in a modern New Zealand especially if we want to be an inclusive country where everyone can reach their potential and thrive.What uplifts me is that the vast majority of New Zealanders do not share the National Party's views on our poorest people beneficiaries and solo mums and their children any more. New Zealand has moved on and can I suggest that the National Party get over their archaic thinking and also move with the times. It is therefore with great pleasure that I commend this bill to the House.