Auckland (The NZ Today)
National has unveiled a tougher welfare policy that would introduce random drug testing for some Jobseeker Support recipients, reduce payments for people who remain on the benefit long term and extend the stand-down period for those who repeatedly leave work without sufficient reason.
Social Development and Employment spokesperson Louise Upston announced the five-point package in Paraparaumu on Thursday, framing it as a combination of more employment support and stronger expectations for people receiving Jobseeker Support.
The most significant new measure is random drug testing.
National says it would begin with around 10,000 tests in the first year, with the programme expanding over time.
Under the proposal, a first failed test would be recorded. A second failed test would lead to a clinical alcohol and drug assessment, and beneficiaries who subsequently failed to meet their obligations could face the existing sanctions system, including possible benefit reductions.
Upston said the policy was intended to make sure people receiving Jobseeker Support remained ready to take available work, rather than punish people simply for being unemployed.
The random testing programme is expected to cost about $1.5 million a year, funded from existing Ministry of Social Development budgets.
National estimates its wider package would generate just over $580 million in savings between 2027/28 and 2030/31, although those savings depend on the policy settings and future benefit numbers.
Another major change would affect people who have spent two of the previous three years on Jobseeker Support.
From April 2028, National proposes reducing the amount they receive, with a smaller reduction applying to households with dependent children.
Using current benefit rates as an illustration, National says the reduction would be about $48 a week for a single person without children, nearly $82 a week for a couple without children, and around $24 a week for recipients with dependent children.
Actual amounts would be based on benefit rates in 2028, after scheduled inflation adjustments.
National is also proposing a much longer period without entitlement for people who repeatedly leave employment without what MSD considers a good and sufficient reason.
That stand-down period would increase from 13 weeks to 26 weeks.
Alongside the tougher rules, the party says it would provide more intensive employment support for 30,000 people who have been on Jobseeker Support for more than a year, with additional emphasis on programmes helping younger people move into work.
A further change would affect access to the welfare system for newer residents.
From 1 April 2028, National wants to increase the minimum residence period required to qualify for most main benefits from two years to five years.
Upston said the overall aim was to reduce long-term welfare dependence while keeping employment at the centre of the system.
The current government has already introduced a stronger sanctions and case-management approach for beneficiaries, including its traffic-light compliance system and expanded employment support.
The latest announcement would push that approach further by adding drug testing and tighter long-term eligibility and payment rules if National returns to government.
Source: National Party welfare policy announcement; additional reporting context from RNZ.
