38422 (2025). Hon Willie Jackson to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

38422 (2025). Hon Willie Jackson to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: How many, if any, neurodivergent people have been declined emergency housing for not being able to comply with the administration requirements?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) that information relating to health conditions or disabilities is held on individual client files and is not centrally collated. The Ministry would have to divert personnel from their core duties to provide the information sought by the Member. Therefore, in accordance with Speaker’s Ruling 210/6, I consider that the time and expense of answering the Member’s questions, relating to weekly benefit data, is not in the public interest. The Ministry can work with clients in a number of different ways – whether online, in person or over the phone. I would encourage people to let the Ministry know if they need additional support in accessing their services due to a disability.