Politics Blog

National has released its welfare policy, which includes the introduction of random drug testing of jobseeker beneficiaries from 2027. 

The party has announced a new five-point plan it says will strengthen the “expectations for those who remain on Jobseeker long term”.

Under the plan, random drug testing will start from next year, as part of the Ministry of Social Development’s work-readiness. 

It will start with 10,000 tests in the first year and expand over time, with National Party welfare spokesperson Louise Upston saying this was already a “normal part” of employment for many people. 

Elsewhere, National will place stronger expectations on people who have been receiving jobseeker support for two years or more.

From April 1, 2028, those who have received Jobseeker for two of the previous three years will move to a lower rate of payment, with a smaller reduction for households with dependent children.

They will also double the stand-down for repeated voluntary unemployment, with people who repeatedly leave employment without good and sufficient reason facing a 26-week non-entitlement period, up from 13 weeks.

The benefit residency requirement will be extended to five years from April 2028, with the minimum residence period to qualify for main benefits increasing from two years to five years.

Finally, National will provide what it calls a more intensive, work-focused support for 30,000 work-ready jobseekers who have been on Jobseeker for more than a year.

They said this will attempt to combat long-term dependency before it becomes entrenched, with greater funding for employment programmes that support young people into work.

Read more about the policy here.