Michael Woodhouse MP: Helping people into work

Friday, March 23, 2012

Helping people into work

Delivering better public services is one of National’s four key priorities for our second term, and welfare reform is a significant part of this.

National believes that those who can work should work. Getting off welfare and into work means a better life, better opportunities, and a brighter future for people and their families.

This week we introduced welfare reform legislation to Parliament that focuses on those most at risk from long-term dependency. It will target resources to help young people on benefits make better choices, encourage them to be in education or training, and budget with their weekly income. It will also require young parents to do parenting courses.

This investment will save the taxpayer and our community large costs in the longer term.
We will also require sole parents to look for part-time work when their youngest child is five, and full-time work when their youngest child is 14. We’ll ask those on the Widow’s and Women Alone benefits to work if jobs are available.

For more information, click here.

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Background:

I was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Hospital Dunedin, a position I held for 7 ½ years. Previous to that I held senior management positions with ACC, where I was instrumental in implementing ACC’s Elective Services Contracting framework and at Dunedin Hospital in change management, revenue and planning roles.

I was educated at St Pauls High School (now Kavanagh College) and graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. I am a Chartered Accountant and also have a Master of Health Administration from the University of New South Wales.

I was also the President of the NZ Private Surgical Hospitals Association and have also been the Vice President of the NZ Private Hospitals Association, a larger organisation which included the private aged care sector. I am also a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management and the New Zealand Institute of Directors.

I have been a Rotarian since 2001 and am active in community and voluntary work in the region. I am an avid rugby fan, having played age group representative rugby for Otago and South Island teams and am a premier grade referee as well as a “fair weather” runner. My wife Amanda and I and our three daughters have a crib in Cromwell and in our spare time enjoy the great outdoors of Central Otago.

Responsibilities:

I am a member of the Health Select Committee, and of the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee.

I am also a member of the National Party’s Economic and Commerce Caucus Committee.

My Commitment as Your MP:

I firmly believe in the values that underpin the National Party – loyalty, security, equity of opportunity, freedom and choice, limited Government, strong families, caring communities and a sustainable environment.

I commit to maintaining those values and working on your behalf to ensure that these important principles are upheld. Although not an electorate MP, I believe all MPs have a responsibility to represent and advocate for the people in their communities.