The Social Workers in Schools expansion re-announced today by the Government is a great idea, but it is just one more re-announcement of a National Government initiative, Opposition Social Services spokesperson Bob Simcock said today.

Social Services Minister Steve Maharey has today re-announced a National Government expansion to provide Social Workers in another 175 primary schools.

"I'm very pleased that National's policies to help children and families are being fully endorsed by the new Government. Social Workers in Schools is a practical initiative that National is very proud of.

"Putting the money and the effort in while children are at school will help nip any problems in the bud and also give kids someone to seek help and advice from.

"It is time for Mr Maharey to add some value as a Minister. He talks a good talk about what children need but has done nothing about it. I hope he has something new in the upcoming budget, even if it's just money to expand on National's programmes.

"We announced in last year's Budget $4.5 million a year to extend the social workers in schools to cover another 35,000 children.

"It's the third time this month that Steve Maharey has tried to take credit for good social programmes developed and funded under National. It is great that the Minister values National's initiatives so much that he thinks they are worth re-announcing, but in the end it's just words," says Mr Simcock.

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