34120 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

Written Question

Published date: 16 Aug 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	34120 (2026)
Question asked:	30 Jul 2026
Member asking:	Francisco Hernandez
Portfolio:	Minister for Social Development and Employment
Minister replying:	Hon Louise Upston
Answer received:	10 Aug 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_34120_2026
Document guid:	418e447c-ee49-4f6f-bd30-97d2d651d0d6

34120 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What automated approvals, if any, are currently operating within the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) has interpreted the Member’s question as referring to automated decision-making (ADM). The Ministry uses ADM in some circumstances to grant or regrant support, where the applicant meets all relevant criteria For example: • regranting Jobseeker Support every 26 weeks, and • continuing specific benefits at the same rate when a client returns their Confirming Your Circumstances form and there are no changes The Ministry advises that ADM is best used for straightforward, rules-based decisions. I am further advised that there are currently no automated approval processes in place for Crown entities for which I am responsible.