Future Focus benefit reforms

John Key Paula Bennett Prime Minister Social Development and Employment

Future Focus Summary
The National-led Government is committed to New Zealand families. We are also committed to changing the way New Zealanders understand benefits, and changing the focus to a better-off-in-work approach.

We are delivering on these commitments with the announcement of our Future Focus package.

The recession has made life tough for many New Zealand families. Welfare will always be there to catch those who have fallen on hard times. But for some, this safety net has become a trap, imprisoning them in a life of limited income and limited choices. Others are falling through the cracks. We say ‘enough'. Now it is crunch time for this Government.

We are rebalancing obligations and support so that beneficiaries can achieve the best outcome for themselves and those who depend on them.

New Zealanders are better off in work - it's more than just a financial boost for them and their families. We want beneficiaries to step up and find themselves a job, gain work skills, and get back that confidence in their own abilities.

We will back them all the way. With Future Focus we will support people when they are most in need, encourage them to get back to work, and act when they don't take responsibility for themselves.

Click here to get information about the Future Focus reforms.

Click here to read the Prime Minister's speech notes on Future Focus.

Click here to read the Minister's press release on Future Focus.

Click here to get more information on Future Focus from the Ministry of Social Development.

The Welfare Working Group

An important part of this Government's long-term focus on welfare reform and commitment to asking the hard questions will be the Welfare Working Group.

The eight member panel is made up of policy academics, NGO and community representatives, who together canvass the social sector in New Zealand. The group will also have access to international experts and will be assisted by a secretariat from across Government ministries.

The Welfare Working Group has been asked to explore practical options that may contribute to reducing long-term welfare dependence and getting better work outcomes. We are also interested in hearing from the group on how to fund welfare in the future - for example, what can be learned from the insurance industry and ACC.

A final report will be expected by December 2010.  The Government will consider the recommendations of the group, but may not necessarily move forward with all of these.

Members of the Welfare Working Group include:

  • Ms Paula Rebstock (Chair)
  • Professor Des Gorman
  • Professor Kathryn McPherson
  • Associate Professor Ann Dupuis
  • Ms Catherine Isaac (formerly Judd)
  • Ms Sharon Wilson-Davis
  • Mr Adrian Roberts
  • Ms Enid Ratahi Pryor

For more information visit:

http://ips.ac.nz/events/Ongoing_research/WelfareWorkingGroup/WelfareIndex.html

Click here to read the Minister's press release on the Welfare Working Group.