24734 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

24734 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What forecasts are behind the claim that “This will result in more exits off benefits and into work, producing savings to the Crown” in the Employment Supports for Sole Parents appropriation in the summary of initiatives for Budget 2026?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development’s (the Ministry) savings estimates are based on evidence from previous evaluations and modelling, including a June 2019 evaluation of intensive case management, which found returns on investment for sole parents of around $3.40 for every dollar spent. I am further advised that this evidence, combined with the Ministry’s administrative data and Sole Parent Support benefit forecast, was used to model how increased case management reduces time on benefit and supports more sustained employment outcomes, with these impacts applied to expected client numbers to estimate future reductions in benefit costs. This is also my response to WPQ 24732 (2026)