Simon Bridges National MP simonbridges.co.nz

Literally every week the Government pushes ahead with a variety of reforms, initiatives and announcements.

Normally in my column I like to focus in on one area but this weekend I thought I would give you a sense of several of the things going in Government right now.

Benefits stopped for those with arrest warrants

National has announced that people with outstanding arrest warrants will no longer receive a benefit while evading police.

About 8200 of 15,000 people with arrest warrants are receiving benefits. This reform will mean that if someone has an outstanding arrest warrant, their benefit could be stopped, unless they do the right thing and come forward to the authorities.

The welfare system will always be there to support people and families who genuinely need it. But people who are actively evading police should not receive taxpayer assistance while they do so.

Savings for Government in student loans

Changes over the past three budgets have helped reduce the cost to Government for student loans from 48 cents to 39 cents in the dollar. That is a significant achievement. We said we would get it down to 40 cents, and now we've surpassed that.

Budget 2012 forecast that student support changes would provide a one-off saving of about $250 million, and $60-$70 million of annual savings. As at 30 June 2012, the actual savings are $286 million.

New Christchurch hospital one step closer

The Government's commitment of $5.5 billion to the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Fund has given certainty for the hospital rebuild, and over the past six months progress has been made.

Cabinet has approved the redevelopment of the Canterbury District Health Board hospitals. The project will be the largest hospital build in the history of New Zealand's public health service, including fast-tracking the design of the Burwood Hospital redevelopment.

The final business plan, due at the end of the year, will establish the best option to build additional operating theatres, replace about 500 beds, expand the intensive care unit and emergency department at Christchurch Hospital, and build a new hospital for older people's health at Burwood.

New Zealand confirms intentions for Bamyan withdrawal

Cabinet has confirmed the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team will be coming home from Bamyan province, Afghanistan, by the end of April 2013.

The timing fits well with the International Security Assistance Force's planning and logistical considerations. It also ensures a sensible, orderly and professional transition for our troops and international partners. Until then, the Provincial Reconstruction Team will continue its work training and mentoring the local security forces.

Over its 10-year deployment, the Provincial Reconstruction Team has contributed to international counter-terrorism efforts, improved security, and the development and governance of Bamyan province. Our success is reflected in Bamyan's position as a leader in the transition process.