"As of today, it's a going to be a lot harder to exploit the benefit system," says ACT Leader David Seymour.

"Today marks the launch of new benefit sanctions, including electronic money management. This has been an ACT policy since 2017, and in 2023 National agreed to include it in our coalition agreement. It means MSD can place half of a non-compliant beneficiary’s payment onto a card for essentials like groceries and health needs.

"Taxpayers don't fund benefits to be spent on alcohol or entertainment. So, we're taking steps to ensure benefits are used responsibly, prioritising families and children while promoting accountability.

"The sanction also works as an incentive to find employment. If you don't like the sound of having your benefit payments managed, then you'll need to put the work in. Apply for jobs, show up for interviews, attend exployment expos. If you can work, you should work.

"Too many New Zealanders have treated welfare as a lifestyle, not a safety net. We fund the job seekers benefit as a temporary safety net for people who find themselves out of work. It was never intended to be a long-term income stream for people who refuse to take basic steps to support themselves."

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