Latest news with #SocialDevelopmentandEmploymentLegislation
Scoop
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Strengthened Oversight Of Oranga Tamariki System
Minister for Social Development and Employment Legislation strengthening independent monitoring and oversight of the children's system will help better protect young New Zealanders. The Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation passed its third reading in Parliament tonight and also gives visibility to the advocacy role of a single Children's Commissioner. 'By returning to a single Children's Commissioner, the Bill also makes it crystal clear to children and young people who their advocate is. 'These changes intend to build public trust in independent monitoring and advocacy and improve governance of the oversight of the children's system by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the agencies that oversee it.' The Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Bill amends the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 and Children and Young People's Commission Act 2022, specifically to transition: the Monitor from a departmental agency to an independent Crown entity with a small multi-member board; and the Children and Young People's Commission from an independent Crown entity led by a multi-member board to an independent Crown entity led by a single Children's Commissioner. 'This Bill fulfils a commitment from the ACT-National Coalition agreement and responds to feedback on previous reforms to the oversight of the children's system in 2022. There is significant public support to strengthen the oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, and these changes will contribute to that,' Louise Upston says. 'The changes will take effect from 1 August 2025, making it clear to children, young people and their families that the Monitor is independent and separate from government, and that the Children's Commissioner will advocate effectively for all children and young people.' The Monitor's current Chief Executive, Arran Jones, will remain in his role from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026 to oversee and support the organisation's transition. Current Chief Commissioner of the Children and Young People's Commission Board, Dr Claire Achmad, also will continue in her role for one year from 1 August 2025. 'Dr Achmad is a respected voice for children and young people. I am confident that she will ensure the interests and concerns of children and young people will continue to be heard in this role,' Louise Upston says. 'During the Committee stage, an important addition to the Bill was made to strengthen accountability for agencies that are the subject of specific reports by the Monitor, by requiring additional reporting measures. 'This additional reporting will give Ministers the ability to take decisive action earlier to ensure relevant agencies are improving compliance and enhancing the wellbeing of children and young people in care.'
Scoop
18 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Fixing Double Dips For Boarder And Rent Payments
Hon Louise Upston Minister for Social Development and Employment Legislation fixing the inconsistent treatment of boarder and rental payments has been passed into law in Parliament today. The Social Assistance Legislation (Accommodation Supplement and Income-related Rent) Amendment Bill and the supporting legislation of the Social Security (Mandatory Reviews) Amendment Bill has addressed the inconsistent treatment of board and rent payments around housing subsidies. 'This has been an unnecessarily complicated and confusing system,' says Minister for Social Development and Employment Louise Upston. 'This legislative change means that from March 2026, payments from boarders and renters will be treated equally when considering housing assistance. 'These common-sense changes were signalled in Budget 2024. The changes don't take effect until March 2026, meaning recipients will have time to provide information about any boarders they have.' Currently, if people have only one or two boarders, board payments aren't included when MSD calculates housing subsidies -- unless it's their main source of income. This can result in the Government subsidising the same accommodation costs more than once. In contrast, rent payments received are included when calculating a person's eligibility for housing subsidies. 'This change supports our Government's aim of ensuring our public services are fiscally sustainable and effective. 'We believe that those who have a genuine need should be able to get the help they require while ensuring consistency across MSD payments,' Louise Upston says. Passed this morning, the Social Security (Mandatory Reviews) Amendment Bill introduces mandatory reviews of some specified benefits. These reviews will require MSD to check in and confirm a client's eligibility and rate of benefit at least once a year. Clients must confirm if they are receiving any contributions from boarders, as well as any other circumstances which may impact their eligibility and rate of benefit, like their income. Some aspects of the mandatory reviews will use Automated Decision-Making so MSD staff can focus on supporting people in to work. Notes From 2 March 2026, payments from all boarders will be included when MSD: Calculates how much a person can get for housing subsidies (e.g. Accommodation Supplement or Temporary Additional Support), and Calculates the Income Related Rent (IRR) for a social housing tenant in a social housing property Additionally, if the total board and rent a person receives exceeds their total accommodation costs (or market rent for social housing tenants), the excess amount will be considered as income for other MSD assistance. The housing subsidies that will be impacted from 2 March 2026 are:
