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Louise Upston
National Party

Louise Upston

Minister for Social Development and Employment

Electorate: Taupō

Before Politics

  • β—†Business background in tourism and hospitality

Parliamentary Career

  • β—†MP for Taupō since 2008
  • β—†Minister for Social Development and Employment since November 2023

Key Positions

  • β†’Reducing welfare dependency
  • β†’Work obligations for beneficiaries
  • β†’Cutting benefit levels for those who don't meet obligations

Accomplishments

  • βœ“Introduced stricter work-testing requirements for welfare recipients

Controversies

  • !Welfare cuts criticised by anti-poverty advocates as punitive
  • !Drug testing for beneficiaries policy drew significant public debate

Bio Summary

Social Development Minister overseeing welfare reform and reinstating work obligations for beneficiaries.

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