STEPH LEWIS (Labour—Whanganui): Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'd just like to start this evening by commending the Hon Carmel Sepuloni for bringing this bill to the House and for her continued work to overhaul our welfare system. This bill shows our commitment and our vision for a welfare system that ensures people have adequate income and an adequate standard of living, that they are treated with dignity, and that they can live in their communities in a way that enables them to participate meaningfully in life. 