20 Feb 2024

Government makes 'no apology' for benefit sanctions

From Morning Report, 7:53 am on 20 February 2024

The Government is taking what it says is early action to curb what it sees as an unacceptable surge in welfare dependency that occurred under Labour.

Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says the government will be setting out its expectations around people looking for jobs and the use of benefit sanctions.

Announcing the reconstituted policy, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he made "no apology" for cracking down on those who don't play by the rules.

Christopher Luxon spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.