The National Party is setting itself up for a heated right wing/left battle at November's elections with its proposal to reform the welfare system.
Prime Minister John Key has signalled a welfare crackdown is to be a central part of its campaign.
Mr Key says the Government is keen to implement some
of the recommendations of the Welfare Working Group, aimed at pushing 100,000 beneficiaries back into work within a decade.
It is hard to argue against the premise that those capable of work, should be urged to work.
New Zealand is not, and never should be, a welfare state.
But our skyrocketing beneficiary numbers suggest action needs to be taken.
Mr Key's message is pretty clear - "if you can work, you must work".
In particular focus are solo mothers and plans to encourage them back work much earlier than the current system allows for.
The Government may consider an option where solo mothers who have another child while on the benefit would have to return to work when that child was one.
While it is paramount that no child is disadvantages by these changes, it is abhorrent that production line babies could be used to maintain access to a benefit.
Auckland Poverty Action Group spokeswoman Sue Bradford says "we will fight them on it the whole way".
A more considered approach would be welfare reform that helps long-term beneficiaries back into meaning employment should be sought and encouraged.
Bugeoning beneficiaries numbers hurt us all.
Someone has to pay and while the system we have helps protect the vulnerable, unfortunately there are far too many who also unfairly jump on the bandwagon.
Welfare reform is timely for a country struggling to get back on a growth path.
It must explored and furthered in a way that benefits the country and doesn't simply become a political football.
