A former work and income boss is calling part of Act's welfare policy incredibly brave.

Deputy leader Brooke van Velden spoke over the weekend, about electronic management of people on income support.

It means issuing money cards to people who've been on benefits for a long time which can only be used to buy essentials.

Former WINZ CEO, Christine Rankin says that's reasonable and sensible.

She says no politician ever seems to have the courage to take such steps.

She says trapping people on the benefit is disgusting.

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