David Seymour Acknowledges Delay on Beneficiary Policy Development

ACT leader David Seymour has publicly acknowledged that he has not yet initiated work on a beneficiary policy outlined in the coalition agreement with the National Party. This policy aims to establish a pool of approved doctors authorized to issue medical certificates for individuals applying for health and disability-related benefits.

The coalition agreement included a commitment to address the current number of individuals on the supported living payment, which stands at approximately 107,000. The initiative, derived from a campaign promise made by the ACT, seeks to enhance scrutiny of benefit claims. “It will increase the number of cases that are picked up as fraud, as there will be more active inquiries into cases,” Seymour stated prior to the last election, emphasizing the importance of having doctors provide honest assessments.

When questioned this week by The Post about the progress of the policy, Seymour conceded that no developments had taken place. “We haven’t – but nonetheless, there is still time,” he remarked. He further indicated that he had not received any policy advice regarding the matter. “I haven’t discussed it with Louise [Upston, the social development minister]. We’ve been pretty happy with the electronic income management work she’s already done,” he added.

Despite Seymour‘s admission of inaction, the Ministry of Social Development has indicated that preliminary work has commenced towards fulfilling the intent of the coalition agreement. Graham Allpress, general manager of client service delivery, stated, “Phase one of the Approved Doctors coalition agreement has been implemented and represents progress toward the intent of the agreement.” This initial phase focuses on enhancing proactive case management for Jobseeker-Health Condition or Disability clients aged 18-24 years with part-time work obligations.

In August, The Post submitted an Official Information Act request regarding the policy, but the Ministry has yet to provide a response. The agency is currently facing criticism for failing to adhere to timelines set by the Ombudsman, having extended the response period without re-establishing a new due date.

The lack of progress on this policy has elicited reactions from opposition figures. Ricardo Menéndez March, the Green Party’s welfare spokesman, expressed satisfaction that the government has not advanced what he termed a misguided initiative. “If they’re not going to progress with one of the items in the coalition agreement, this is a good one to not touch,” he stated. He further criticized the existing welfare system, describing it as overly punitive for individuals with lifelong disabilities who must expend resources to confirm their status as disabled.

As the coalition’s term continues, the future of the beneficiary policy remains uncertain. Both the government and the opposition will be closely monitoring developments amid ongoing discussions regarding welfare reform in New Zealand.