Bill English National Leader

1 October 2003

National announces Family portfolio

National Leader Bill English says the Party has appointed a Family Spokesperson to recognise the central role families play in the welfare of New Zealanders, particularly our children.

Mr English announced Clevedon MP and National's Associate Health Spokesperson Judith Collins as National's Family Spokesperson today.

"Judith Collins has a professional interest and experience in the area of family, having dealt with family problems when working for many years as a lawyer.

"We need a portfolio and spokesperson specifically dealing with families because of the many controversial issues families face ranging from child abuse to the role of parents.

"She will also monitor the raft of new legislation from this politically correct Government that has a negative impact on the recognition of the role of families.

"For instance, the Government has made sure the $38m Families Commission will be ineffective, and it is promoting the Care of Children legislation which undermines the role of families.

"Every family needs to know that, while they form a smaller proportion of the population, their hard work is worth it, the family unit works, and there are politicians who understand that," Mr English said.

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