The Government has committed to overhaul the welfare system following years of neglect by the previous National Government. Our vision is for a welfare system that ensures that people have an adequate income and standard of living, are treated with and can live with dignity, and are able to participate meaningfully in their communities. In November 2019, Cabinet endorsed a long-term welfare overhaul work programme to build towards that vision. As part of this work programme, we continue to explore the removal of ineffective obligations and sanctions, as recommended by the Welfare Expert Advisory Group. The short-term focus of that work is on the sanctions that impact children, their families, and whānau. 