20125 (2026). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

20125 (2026). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: How many people, if any, were unable to obtain a benefit from Work and Income based on their relationship status broken down by reported gender?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) is unable to provide the information the member has requested. Due to how this information is recorded in Ministry systems, this would require a review of individual clients' files and for the Ministry to undertake substantial manual collation, diverting staff from their core duties. In accordance with the Speaker’s Ruling 210/6, I consider that the time, and hence the expense of answering the members question is not in the public interest.