HThe Government’s plan to possibly outlaw smacking of children is the wrong approach to our serious child abuse problem, ACT Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman said.

“Laila Harre is on the wrong track. The state has already intruded enough into New Zealand family life.

“If this Government is serious about addressing the real, horrendous crimes against children then it needs to get to the heart of the problem.

“The problem stems from both the increase in family breakdowns and the welfare dependency trap. Until the Government acknowledges that and comes up with some sensible proposals to address the issue then we cannot expect any reversal of our appalling abuse statistics.

“If the Government really wants to help tackle the problem it can, as a first step, next week support passage to select committee of my bill which would provide for more openness in the conduct of the court which deals with our at-risk children – the Family Court,” Dr Newman said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media