The Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill which brings in tighter requirements for youth and sole parent benefits has passed into law.
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said during the third reading debate that the welfare system was failing many of those on it.
Bennett said generations were getting trapped in welfare dependency
The bill would mean the Government would no longer pay money to youths, but instead would move to manage youth beneficiaries with financial assistance tied to obligations such as the need to work or be in training.
Parts of benefits would be tied to certain expenditure – such as rent – and also attending courses on parenting and budgeting skills, Bennett said.
Sole parents were also being “let down’’ by the system and the bill would mean they would have to be available for work when their children were at a younger age – five for part time work and 14 for full time work.
Those opposing the bill said it was draconian and would mean children and adults would be forced to live below the bread line.
The bill completed its third reading by 64 to 57 with National, Maori Party, ACT and United Future supporting.
MPs returned to the committee stage debate of the Biosecurity Reform Bill until the House rose at 6pm.
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