It’s a pleasure to submit my last column of the year before I enjoy some time with friends and family over the summer.
Just like many readers of this column, my colleagues and I have been very busy wrapping up the year’s work ahead of the break.
Brooke van Velden introduced legislation to rebalance the rights and consequences of industrial action, so businesses won’t be forced to pay strikers who refuse to do key parts of their job. When teachers, train operators, or health technicians choose to go on partial strike, they should bear the cost of that action, not the rest of us who rely on those services.

We passed legislation to give Kiwis greater confidence to offer their homes to others on the rental market. The Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill will help owners of pets find a place to call home by allowing for pet bonds. The Bill also makes it easier to end a tenancy without providing a specific reason, so long as fair notice is given.

Nicole McKee passed the law to restore Three Strikes so serious repeat violent and sexual offenders are locked away for longer. Parliament also introduced legislation answering calls from victims to recognise stalking as a crime, helping New Zealanders to live free from intimidation and harassment.

As ACT’s Social Developmentand Employment spokesperson, I am particularly pleased with the introduction of the Social Security Amendment Bill. This bill introduces sanctions, including electronic money management, for beneficiaries who are capable of work but choose not to engage in agreed-upon job-seeking activities.

Benefit sanctions prevent the exploitation of benefits. They are also a statement of respect towards those who diligently contribute through their taxes to fund our welfare system. This system should be a safety net, not a lifestyle choice.

Electronic money management, an ACT initiative, is a new type of benefit sanction. If someone fails to meet their obligations to seek work, such as by not attending scheduled employment seminars or job interviews, a significant portion of their benefit can be provided via a card that restricts spending on non-essentials like alcohol, gambling, and tobacco.
This approach is used in Australia where it has been shown to significantly enhance child well-being by redirecting household funds towards necessities, like food on the table.
The introduction of this system is part of a broader strategy to encourage New Zealanders back into the workforce. Employment empowers the individual through personal development and financial independence. It reduces stress and pressure on the individual’s family. It means the person contributes positively to their community and New Zealand’s economy.
Most importantly, shifting long-term beneficiaries back into work is how we break a cycle of welfare dependency, which has profound effects on the morale and well-being of families across New Zealand.
Having steady employment also makes the time we have with loved ones during holidays more meaningful.

That brings me to a final thought: not everyone will get to have a break for Christmas. In the coming weeks, most of us will visit shops, cafes, service stations, and dairies that remain open. Workers at those businesses sacrifice sunny days to earn the wages they need, and they make our holidays more enjoyable.

I hope readers will take a moment this summer to thank those workers and those small business owners when they serve us. And if you are one of those workers, please remember to make time at some point for yourself and your family. You keep New Zealand running, and you deserve to have good health and good spirits!
Have a great summer.-Dr Parmjeet Parmar is an ACT List MP.