ACT’s Social Development spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar has welcomed the passing of the Social Security Amendment Bill, saying it marks a turning point in restoring accountability to the welfare system and tackling long-term benefit dependency.

“With ACT in Government, the free ride is over,” said Dr Parmar.

“We’re ending the culture of no consequences and putting responsibility back at the centre of the welfare system. People who can work should work – and the taxpayers who fund the system deserve nothing less.

“The law introduces new non-financial sanctions within the existing Traffic Light System, targeting a persistent minority who are capable of working but refuse to engage.

“Beneficiaries who fail to take active steps toward employment can now face additional obligations – including electronic income management, mandatory job search activities and upskilling. Electronic income management limits spending to household essentials – a commitment ACT secured in the coalition agreement.

“Shifting people off the lifestyle of dependency, and back onto the path of productive work, is how we build better lives, boost economic growth, and break generational cycles of misery.”

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