PM Jacinda Ardern faced a grilling by the Opposition during Question Time today, with National Party leader Bill English and deputy Paula Bennett delving into the government's conflicting view on benefit sanctions and the secret 33-page coalition document.
Mr English read out Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones' statement unemployed youth would be made to go to work and there would be "no more sitting on the couch".
The National Party leader questions how the plan will work when senior ministers can't agree on what it will look like. (Source: Other)
Ms Ardern replied: "Sancitons have long been a part of our welfare system and that won't change".
Mr English then read out a quote from now-parliamentary undersecretary and Green Party MP Jan Logie who said prior to the election and while in opposition: "Benefit sanctions punish families who are already struggling to get by."
"These are not the actions of a decent and compassionate government, benefit sanctions are punitive and cool and it's going to take a change of government to get rid of them."
Ms Ardern said the government would look at the "excessive use of sanctions" which she said the previous National government resorted to.
The National Party leader says the public deserves to see what is in the agreement between Labour and NZ First. (Source: Other)
The PM was then questioned by Ms Bennett, who asked for clarification on the upcoming meeting Ms Ardern would have with the Ombudsman over the un-released 33-page coalition document .
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