# Findings Report — Prompt 12: New Bill Scan **Date Run:** 8 June 2026, 10:33 NZST **Prompt:** 12 — New Bill Scan (Legislative) **Status:** HIGH VALUE — Multiple new bills and updates identified --- ## What Was Searched - `site:bills.parliament.nz` — General bill search for terms: "older people", "seniors", "aged care", "dementia", "retirement village", "NZ Super", "carers", "elder abuse", "disability support", "residential care" - `site:bills.parliament.nz` — 2026 new bill introductions - Parliament.nz bills listing and select committee pages - Supplementary Order Papers search for aged care / seniors keywords - Members' bills ballot draw search - Specific bill detail pages: Disability Support Services Bill, Social Security (Modernisation) Amendment Bill, Modern Slavery Bill, Employment Leave Bill, Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill - Beehive.govt.nz for ministerial bill announcements - NZ Herald, ODT, Labour Party, RVResidents, Russell McVeagh, CCS Disability Action for analysis --- ## NEW BILLS FOUND (Not Yet in Tracker) ### 1. Modern Slavery Bill (Members' Bill) | Field | Detail | | ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Status** | First reading passed 29 Apr 2026 (112–11 vote; ACT opposed). At Education and Workforce Select Committee. | | **Introduced** | 10 Feb 2026 (via special SO 288 — bipartisan bypass of ballot) | | **Sponsors** | Co-sponsored by National and Labour MPs | | **Report back due** | 31 Aug 2026 | | **Target** | Royal Assent before 7 Nov 2026 election | | **Submissions** | Closed 28 May 2026 | | **Source** | [Dentons analysis](https://www.dentons.co.nz/en/insights/articles/2026/may/13/modern-slavery-bill-passes-first-reading), [Elker guide](https://elker.com/nz/articles/nz-modern-slavery-bill-2026), [Bell Gully](https://www.bellgully.com/insights/modern-slavery-bill-clears-its-first-reading/), [Parliament page](https://www3.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/committees-press-releases/have-your-say-on-the-modern-slavery-bill/) | **Seniors Relevance: 🟠 HIGH** - Establishes mandatory modern slavery reporting for entities with consolidated revenue >$100M - Many aged care providers (Ryman, Summerset, Oceania, Bupa NZ) have revenues above threshold and would be captured - Aged care supply chains (PPE, food, equipment, staffing agencies) face increased scrutiny - Director/senior manager personal liability (criminal fines up to $200K; civil up to $600K) - Ban from receiving Crown money for non-compliance — significant for publicly-funded aged care providers **KB Action:** Add to Seniors Relevant Bills tracker under "Bills Before Parliament" --- ### 2. Employment Leave Bill (Government Bill) | Field | Detail | | ------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Status** | Introduced 9 Mar 2026; before Parliament | | **Minister** | Hon Brooke van Velden (ACT) — Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety | | **Purpose** | Replaces Holidays Act 2003 — new framework for annual leave, sick leave, public holidays | | **Source** | [MBIE](https://www.mbie.govt.nz/business-and-employment/employment-and-skills/employment-legislation-reviews/holidays-act-reform-employment-leave-bill), [Buddle Findlay](https://www.buddlefindlay.com/insights/key-insights-into-the-employment-leave-bill-what-employers-and-employees-need-to-know/), [Russell McVeagh](https://www.russellmcveagh.com/insights-news/employment-law-wrap-up-trends-tensions-and-turning-points-in-2026/) | **Seniors Relevance: 🟡 Monitor** - Affects leave entitlements for ~60,000 aged care and home support workers - Sick leave provisions directly relevant to care workforce - Could affect older workers' ability to access flexible leave arrangements - Relevant to NZNO and E tū campaigns on aged care workforce conditions **KB Action:** Add to Seniors Relevant Bills tracker under "Bills Before Parliament" --- ## KEY UPDATES TO EXISTING TRACKER BILLS ### Disability Support Services Bill — ⚠️ URGENT — Submissions Close 12 June 2026 | Field | Detail | | ------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Current Stage** | First reading passed 21 May 2026; at Social Services and Community Committee | | **Submissions Deadline** | **1:00pm Friday 12 June 2026** (4 days away) | | **Introduced** | 18 May 2026 by Hon Louise Upston | | **New Detail Discovered** | | | | • Bill deems family carer hours _above_ funded allocation not to be "work" under Minimum Wage Act — sidesteps _Fleming v Attorney-General_ [2025] NZSC 188 (Dec 2025 Supreme Court win for family carers) | | | • "Natural supports" clause states families have "responsibility in the first instance" — broad definition of family member including first cousins | | | • Clause 11(3) allows income-based and asset-based criteria — enables means testing via regulations | | | • RIS admits no community consultation before introduction — potential inconsistency with UN CRPD | | | • Impacts older parents caring for disabled adult children into their 60s–80s | | **Sources** | [Beehive release](https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/bill-strengthen-disability-support), [CCS Disability Action analysis](https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/news/disability-support-services-bill), [Legislation.govt.nz](https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2026/312/en/latest/) | **KB Action:** Update tracker row with new deadline; flag submission urgency; add clause 11(3) means testing concern --- ### Social Security (Modernisation) Amendment Bill — ✅ Passed | Field | Detail | | --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Status** | Third reading passed 27 May 2026 under urgency; awaiting royal assent | | **What it does** | Enables MSD to use automated electronic systems for benefit decisions — NZ Super, Veteran's Pension, and other welfare processing | | **Not generative AI** | MSD confirmed not involving generative AI; limited to rules-based decisions | | **Concerns raised** | Labour (Helen White, Ingrid Leary) — lack of transparency, redacted RIS, loss of human contact; Green (Ricardo Menéndez March) — "robot" power over people's lives | | **Sources** | [ODT/RNZ](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/govt-says-ai-will-help-moderinse-welfare-system-rnz), [Work and Income](https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/about-work-and-income/news/2026/modernising-our-processes.html) | **KB Action:** Move from "Bills Before Parliament" to "Recently Passed" section in tracker --- ### Social Security (Jobseeker Support and Accommodation Supplement) Amendment Bill — ⚠️ Submissions Close 10 June 2026 | Field | Detail | | ------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Submissions Deadline** | **11:59pm Wednesday 10 June 2026** (2 days away) | | **Stage** | First reading 19 May 2026; at Social Services and Community Committee | | **Relevance** | Tightens accommodation supplement eligibility — directly affects older renters on fixed incomes | **KB Action:** Flag urgent deadline in tracker --- ### Residential Tenancies (Registration of Boarding House Landlords) Amendment Bill — ⚠️ Submissions Close 11 June 2026 | Field | Detail | | ------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Submissions Deadline** | **11:59pm Thursday 11 June 2026** (3 days away) | | **Stage** | First reading passed 29 Apr 2026; at Social Services and Community Committee | | **Relevance** | Boarding houses house many vulnerable older people; registration provides oversight | **KB Action:** Flag urgent deadline in tracker --- ### Retirement Villages Act Amendment Bill — Expected July 2026 | Field | Detail | | -------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Expected Introduction** | July 2026 | | **Leads** | Hon Casey Costello (NZ First — Seniors) / Hon Cameron Brewer (National — Commerce) | | **Government Proposal** | Repayment within 12 months; interest after 6 months if unsold; only applies to new residents | | **Ingrid Leary's Members' Bill** | Retirement Villages (Fairer Repayments) Amendment Bill — in biscuit tin ballot (not yet drawn). Proposes 3-month repayment with 10% within 5 working days. Consumer NZ backs Leary's approach. | | **RV Residents Position** | Demand max 3-4 months, must apply to existing residents; threatening election issue | | **RVA Opposition** | Warns villages could close if period shortened or retrospective | | **Sources** | [RVResidents](https://rvr.org.nz/tougher-retirement-village-repayment-laws/), [NZ Herald](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/property/labour-mp-ingrid-leary-drafts-bill-on-retirement-village-payouts/CRY4G6ZPRZDA7MARK4DPDTVGF4/), [Consumer NZ](https://www.consumer.org.nz/money/retirement/the-gut-wrenching-update-to-the-retirement-villages-act-review), [Labour Party](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/release-governments-12-month-rule-leaves-seniors-out-of-pocket/) | **KB Action:** Update expected timeline; add detail on Leary's bill and stakeholder positions --- ### Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill | Field | Detail | | ----------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Stage** | First reading passed 12 Feb 2026; at Education and Workforce Committee | | **Submissions** | Closed 18 Mar 2026 | | **Aged Care Relevance** | ACA made a submission (dated 5 Mar 2026) — concerned about impacts on aged care workplaces | | **Purpose** | Refocuses HSWA on "genuine" risks; may change compliance obligations | | **Sources** | [ACA submission PDF](https://aca.org.nz/common/Uploaded%20files/Our%20Work/Submissions/Health%20and%20Safety%20Workplace%20Amendment%20submission.pdf), [Bell Gully](https://www.bellgully.com/insights/refocusing-health-and-safety-health-and-safety-at-work-amendment-bill-proposes-significant-amendments/) | **KB Action:** Add ACA submission note to tracker --- ### Fair Trading Amendment Bill | Field | Detail | | ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Submissions Due** | **16 July 2026** | | **Relevance** | Increases penalties for misleading pricing; safe harbour for platforms disrupting scams — seniors disproportionately affected by scams | **KB Action:** Flag submission deadline in tracker --- ## EMERGING BILLS / DEVELOPMENTS WATCH | Bill | Status | Relevance | | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Better Later Life (EPOA Reform) Bill** | Possible 2027 (per earlier tracker) | Enduring Powers of Attorney reform; elder abuse prevention | | **Digital Identity and Trust Framework Bill** | Under development | Seniors may face digital ID barriers | | **Retirement Villages (Fairer Repayments) Amendment Bill** (Leary) | In biscuit tin ballot — not yet drawn | Would mandate 3-month repayment; Consumer NZ backs | | **Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Further Amendment Bill** | Possible 2027 | Additional health restructuring affecting aged care commissioning | | **Online Casino Gambling Bill** | Committee stage; effect 1 May 2026 (limited licensing from Dec 2026) | 🟡 Monitor — online gambling harm affects older people | --- ## KB ACTION Required 1. **UPDATE** `16 Political & Campaign Intelligence/07_Bills_Hansard_Votes_and_Questions/2026 Tracker - Seniors Relevant Bills.md` - Add Modern Slavery Bill (🟠 Monitor — supply chain implications for aged care) - Add Employment Leave Bill (🟡 Monitor — aged care workforce leave entitlements) - Move Social Security (Modernisation) Amendment Bill to "Recently Passed" (awaiting royal assent) - Update Disability Support Services Bill with new detail (clause 11(3) means testing, carers clause) - Update Social Security (Jobseeker Support and Accommodation Supplement) Amendment Bill — flag urgent 10 Jun deadline - Update Residential Tenancies (Registration of Boarding House Landlords) Amendment Bill — flag urgent 11 Jun deadline - Update Fair Trading Amendment Bill — note 16 Jul submission deadline - Update Retirement Villages Act Amendment Bill — add detail on government proposal vs Leary's bill - Update Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill — add ACA submission note - Update general status and "Last updated" date from 7 Jun to 8 Jun 2. **FLAG URGENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES** (in the Issue Brief): - 10 Jun 2026 — Social Security (Jobseeker Support and Accommodation Supplement) Amendment Bill - 11 Jun 2026 — Residential Tenancies (Registration of Boarding House Landlords) Amendment Bill - 12 Jun 2026 — Disability Support Services Bill 3. **FLAG IN ISSUE BRIEF** — The Disability Support Services Bill's "natural supports" and means-testing clauses have major implications for older disabled people and their older carers. Consider whether a submission should be made. --- ## Sources (All Accessed 8 June 2026) 1. https://bills.parliament.nz/ — General bill search 2. https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/bill-strengthen-disability-support — Disability Support Services Bill 3. https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/news/disability-support-services-bill — CCS Disability Action analysis 4. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2026/312/en/latest/ — DSS Bill text 5. https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/govt-says-ai-will-help-moderinse-welfare-system-rnz — SS Modernisation Bill 6. https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/about-work-and-income/news/2026/modernising-our-processes.html — MSD announcement 7. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/property/labour-mp-ingrid-leary-drafts-bill-on-retirement-village-payouts/CRY4G6ZPRZDA7MARK4DPDTVGF4/ — Leary's bill 8. https://rvr.org.nz/tougher-retirement-village-repayment-laws/ — RV Residents analysis 9. https://www.labour.org.nz/news/release-governments-12-month-rule-leaves-seniors-out-of-pocket/ — Labour on 12-month rule 10. https://www.consumer.org.nz/money/retirement/the-gut-wrenching-update-to-the-retirement-villages-act-review — Consumer NZ 11. https://www.dentons.co.nz/en/insights/articles/2026/may/13/modern-slavery-bill-passes-first-reading — Modern Slavery Bill 12. https://elker.com/nz/articles/nz-modern-slavery-bill-2026 — Modern Slavery Bill employer guide 13. https://www.russellmcveagh.com/insights-news/watching-brief-march-2026/ — Russell McVeagh legislative roundup 14. https://www.mbie.govt.nz/business-and-employment/employment-and-skills/employment-legislation-reviews/holidays-act-reform-employment-leave-bill — Employment Leave Bill 15. https://aca.org.nz/common/Uploaded%20files/Our%20Work/Submissions/Health%20and%20Safety%20Workplace%20Amendment%20submission.pdf — ACA submission on HSWA bill 16. https://www3.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/scl/social-services-and-community/tab/mp — Social Services Committee page (deadlines)