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Unions 4 Children 0

After four months in office the Government’s priorities are becoming clear and they don’t involve children, says National’s Social Services spokesperson, Bob Simcock.

Prior to the election Social Services Minister Steve Maharey and other Labour members made much of their “Children’s Agenda” but no significant progress has been made on any of its eight specific promises.

“At least one of these promises, to make the Commissioner for Children an Officer of Parliament, is set to be broken.

“A long holiday like Easter is a difficult time for children of families in trouble and the social service providers who help them, but this Easter the new government has neglected to offer any new help.

“Meanwhile all of the promises Labour made to the unions before the election have been substantially delivered.

“A higher top tax rate, the renationalisation of ACC, the Employment Relations Bill and the removal of bulk funding of teachers salaries are all more or less in place.

“Clearly the Labour Government cares more about protecting unionists than it does about protecting kids.

“We know Mr Maharey is more comfortable talking grand visions than coming up with simple practical solutions to important problems, but it is time for him to get his hands dirty and do some real work.

“Our children are far more important to us than any union official and its time for Mr Maharey to start delivering on his promises,” says Mr Simcock.

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