Bob Edlin: The Press and politicians’ perks....

The Press and politicians’ perks – the spotlight goes on Brownlee while he considers the fate of Stuff journos

Checking on what’s doing in the country today, PoO spotted this on The Post website, on the top row of items on the menu under “News / Ā-motu” –

Bob Edlin: Budget Day surprise – Upston’s Bill to modernise social security systems is rushed through three readings

Fresh from telling us she is comfortable about collecting $1000 a week to live in her own Wellington apartment because she has “followed the rules”, Social Development Minister Louise Upston popped up yesterday to announce the Government is making changes “to improve and update the efficiency of the welfare system by modernising its processes”.

Ani O'Brien: How the media have distorted the truth to target their current villain

Accomodation allowances should be scrutinised, but Louise Upston is far from the only one receiving one

The media have created a controversy over Louise Upston’s accommodation allowance. Naturally the story has triggered public anger because it appears, at first glance, to confirm every suspicion people already hold about politicians. A minister receives around $1,000 a week in taxpayer-funded accommodation support while also owning an apartment in Wellington. Politically, it ain’t a great look. A minister tightening accommodation support for ordinary people while receiving accommodation support herself was always vulnerable to being seized upon by opposition including media.

Dr Oliver Hartwich: The Sisyphean Task of Welfare Reform

We all know the Greek myth about Sisyphus, condemned to roll his boulder endlessly uphill, only to watch it tumble back down each time he nears the summit.

These images come to mind when I look at one of the ministers in New Zealand’s current government: Louise Upston.

Kerre Woodham: Build the economy and the workers will come

New rules come into force for job seekers today, as the government continues efforts to get more young people off a benefit and into work. It's a very worthwhile enterprise. Do not let young people drift onto a benefit because there they will stay for around about 18 years, which is a hell of a life to condemn any young person to.

Hang on a minute though, weren't there sanctions announced in May? You're right, there were. They targeted beneficiaries with money management and community work sanctions if they failed to meet one of their obligations, which involved preparing for or looking for work.

Lindsay Mitchell: National's problem epitomised

Why did National pick two former welfare-dependent sole mothers to be Ministers of Social Development?

Because National is woke. They buy into the leftist public service fetish for 'lived experience'.

New Zealand's unique welfare problem isn't disability or unemployment. Other developed nations can match us.

Chris Lynch: Jobseekers now required to reapply for support every six months

People receiving Jobseeker Support will now need to reapply for their benefit every 26 weeks, rather than once a year, as part of a Government move to increase accountability and improve employment outcomes.

Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says the change, which takes effect from today, is aimed at encouraging more regular engagement between jobseekers and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).

Chris Lynch: New sanctions take effect to boost welfare accountability

Two new sanctions come into effect today aimed at increasing accountability in New Zealand’s welfare system.

Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says the new measures, Money Management and Community Work Experience, now apply after a first failure to meet agreed obligations while receiving a main benefit such as Jobseeker Support.

David Farrar: Two Ministers lose portfolios

1 News reports:

Melissa Lee has been relieved of the role of Media and Communications Minister, while Penny Simmonds has also lost her disabilities portfolio.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has explained the change saying due to significant challenges in each portfolio they should be held by senior Cabinet ministers.