37255 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

37255 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: How many people, if any, have had an accommodation supplement cut as a result of any mandatory reviews that have occurred since the commencement of the Social Security (Mandatory Reviews) Amendment Act 2025, or any consequent legislation?

Hon Louise Upston: As part of Budget 2025, the Social Security (Mandatory Reviews) Amendment Act 2026 introduced annual mandatory reviews for a range of benefits and supplementary assistance payments. Under the Act, if a client does not meet their review requirements, some supplementary payments, such as Disability Allowance and Accommodation Supplement, may be suspended. I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) is unable to provide the information sought by the Member within a written parliamentary question timeframe as it would take substantial effort and require the Ministry to divert personnel from their core duties. In accordance with Speaker’s Ruling 210/6, I consider that the time, and hence the expense, of answering these questions within this timeframe is not in the public interest.