Jobseekers could face random drug tests from next year under a National plan that would also cut payments for long-term beneficiaries and double stand-down periods for people who repeatedly quit their jobs.
The party would run 10,000 random tests in the first year as part of the Ministry of Social Development's (MSD) work-readiness and employment planning, then expand the programme once it had been established.
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National's social development and employment spokesperson Louise Upston said beneficiaries needed to be ready for jobs that required a clean test.
"Our economy is growing and there are 220,000 more jobs expected over the next four years. We want every Kiwi on Jobseeker to be ready to take up available jobs, including in industries where passing a drug test is a condition of employment.
"For many New Zealanders drug testing is already a normal part of their employment so it's entirely reasonable for work-ready Jobseekers to meet the same basic expectations."
Under the policy, MSD would record a first failed test. A second failure would trigger a clinical alcohol and drug assessment, and anyone who then failed to meet their obligations would face the normal sanctions regime, which could include cuts to their benefit.
"This isn't about punishing someone because they haven't found a job. It's about making sure people receiving Jobseeker Support meet reasonable expectations to be ready for work, which also helps ensure it is fair to hardworking taxpayers who fund the system," Upston said.
National's policy document put the cost of testing at about $1.5 million a year, to be funded from MSD's existing budget.
Lower rate after two years
From April 1, 2028, anyone who had received Jobseeker Support for two of the previous three years would drop to a lower rate.
At current rates, a single person without children would lose $48.05 a week and a couple without children would lose $81.76. Households with dependent children would lose $24.02 a week, half the cut facing a single recipient.
National said it would count cumulative time on the benefit so people could not dodge the lower rate by taking short breaks. The party estimated the change would save $572 million over four years.
People who repeatedly left jobs without good reason would face a 26-week stand-down, up from 13 weeks. New residents would also have to wait five years, rather than two, before qualifying for a main benefit from April 2028. Refugees and protected persons would remain exempt, and people already on a benefit would keep it.
On the support side, National promised intensive case management for 30,000 work-ready jobseekers who had been on the benefit for at least a year, with at least 5000 places set aside for 18 to 24-year-olds. It would also put an extra $12m a year into youth employment programme He Poutama Rangatahi.
Upston said the plan built on National's record in government.
"In government, National has focused on getting more people off welfare and into work, after Labour let long-term dependency grow."
National's policy document said the number of people on Jobseeker for more than two years rose 60% under Labour, from 49,000 to 78,000 between 2017 and 2023.
Upston also used the announcement to take aim at Labour's spending.
"A Labour coalition would squander surpluses, hike debt and hit Kiwis with nine new taxes to pay for its spending plans – and that would mean every household paying $2263 in extra tax every year."
Labour has repeatedly said the sole tax proposal it would be taking to the election is a narrow capital gains tax to pay for three free GP visits with the remainder of funds ringfenced for health.
National estimated the five-point package would deliver net savings of $583m over four years.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including murder charges after the death of doctor to the royal family, and how an Indian cop clung onto a speeding car for 40km. (Source: 1News)
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