Changes to benefits focus of legislation

The pace has certainly picked up in Parliament in the past two weeks with a rash of legislation being introduced, and one of the most significant of these is the introduction of the Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill. This bill will place greater work obligations on beneficiaries with children, and target youth on a collision course with long-term welfare dependency.

It is part of the Government's many moves to create a stronger economy. The bill also provides for a better and fairer benefit process for our young people, at the same time encouraging them into work.

The Dairy Industry Restructuring Act has been tabled in Parliament this week, and I know it is of great interest to the many dairy farmers of the Rangitikei electorate. The proposal has been modified a little from its original form, and it is hoped to have it through Parliament by midyear.

The changed give-way rules were introduced last Sunday, and they are going pretty smoothly.

It is a sign, along with the reducing road toll, of the improved standards of driving we are seeing today. While the move to improve our driving standards through tougher driving tests is creating some frustration in rural New Zealand because of the removal of licence testing opportunities from some rural towns, the high percentage of people failing the first test indicates the changes' value.

Last Saturday I attended the dedication of the new St John ambulance headquarters in Ohakune. This is going to be a great asset to the Waimarino area. The building will give a renewed confidence in the provision of health services to this area and is tribute to the great support St John has in this area.

One last thing: The end of daylight saving this Sunday will be welcomed by all who rise early, as the shorter days are certainly moving in on us quickly.