Support for Nats’ benefit sanctions

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

About half of this week’s respondents to the web poll support the National Party’s proposed sanctions for beneficiaries.

The question asked “do you support or oppose the National Party’s proposals for a strengthened sanctions regime for beneficiaries? (Which includes gang members having to prove they don’t have illegal income or assets, parents having to have their children immunised, and reintroducing a penalty for single mothers who do not name the father of their child.)”

A total of 530 people took part in the poll. Of those, 253 people or 48 percent, supported the proposals and 196 people or 37 percent opposed them. Partial support came from 71 people or 13 percent and 10 people just 2 percent, were undecided.

“About time,” said one supporter.Another said, “This support system was not set as a lifestyle option and should stop being used as one.

“If you cannot afford to feed one child don’t have another. It should also be for basic essential items, it was never intended to be an employer.”

Another supporter commented, “If you expect handouts then I am OK with whatever criteria are imposed. They should not be expecting something for nothing.”

A voter who does not support the National Party’s proposal to tighten up on benefits said, “It just follows the Australian policy of victimising the disadvantaged in society and does nothing but provide a warm fuzzy feeling for the elites who feel duty bound to punish those who are stuck in a cycle of poverty.

“Disadvantaged people need support, not punishment,” the voter said.

Another who voted against said, “I’m a benefit receiver and sole parent after my partner died. I don’t like being on a benefit but circumstances have changed in my life.

“I work part-time and am constantly looking for extra work.

“I know people who have been on a benefit for years, who sell drugs and do cash work, those are the people who deserve sanctions,” the respondent said.

Another who voted against the proposals siad it said the National Party needed a new leader. “This is unacceptable, this party needs a new direction. They just lost my vote.”

One voter who partially supports the proposals said gang members “should be fully investigated”, but “compulsory immunisation is an assault on people’s liberty”.

As well, “single mothers should expose the fathers,” the respondent said.

Another partial supporter said that, “with nothing getting better under the current laws we have to do something”.

“The social welfare system is long overdue for an overhaul. Not sure that I agree with the gang aspect but certainly a great need to tighten up in a lot of areas,” another partial supporter said.

One of the undecided voters said “stoopid (sic) poll, people have to live one way or another.”