It also came as no surprise to see that the National Party's latest welfare policy announcement was lacking in more areas than one. It was predictable. It was out of touch. There was no evidence base, and, as per usual, they were asserting that they had the silver bullet, despite the fact that they have no understanding of how the welfare system works, let alone the actual benefits. Nor do they understand the people in the welfare system and the complex challenges that they face. It did, however, seem in touch with what we know about the National Party. Their track record with demonising young people and beneficiaries stands. They called them "pretty damn hopeless", they called them "bottom feeders", and, more recently, "These people are all getting a free ride." The irony of their policy, which they have heralded as welfare that works, is that it won't.