Get teenagers to work? Stop paying them to stay home

ACT Leader David Seymour is welcoming the Government’s move to restrict benefits for 18 and 19-year-olds whose parents earn over $65,000.

“For too long, the welfare system has paid young people to sit at home instead of getting into work. That’s bad for taxpayers, and worse for the teenagers themselves,” says Seymour.

“Taxpayers should go to work knowing they’re funding important government services, not paying some teenager next door to sleep their future away.

“Despite the economic environment, many businesses can’t find staff and are relying on migrants to fill jobs that Kiwi teenagers could be doing. It’s shameful that people from overseas are showing more willingness to work than too many young New Zealanders born here.

“The best way to get teenagers working is to stop paying them not to. If an 18-year-old is capable of working, they should be out earning, learning, and building their future – not relying on the taxpayer.

“This change is an important step in restoring personal responsibility to the welfare system. ACT will keep pushing for a system that rewards effort, not excuses.”