ACT MP Muriel Newman still holds hope for the future of Shared Parenting, even though her Private Members Shared Parenting Bill was voted down by the Labour, Alliance, Greens and NZ First parties.

“Shared Parenting is an issue whose time has come. The idea that children whose parents separate or divorce should the continuing support of both the mother and the father must become the basis of family law. To maintain sole custody as the predominant outcome of family breakdown will simply assure that more and more children will do poorly.

“Even the judiciary has recognised that family arrangements have substantially changed in the last 30 years. They would like to see more Shared Parenting outcomes for children.

“Although this Government voted down my Bill, a petition signed by almost 5000 people, asking for a Select Committee look into Shared Parenting, will get their wish.

The Shared parenting petition has been sent to the Social Service Select Committee. This Committee, which has almost no work on at present, has made a commitment to try to do better for New Zealand children.

“By hearing evidence from the petitioners on the effects of the present law and the damage it does to children and families, the Committee may decide to investigate this important issue.

If New Zealand’s children are to have a better future then Parliament needs to properly investigate Shared Parenting,” said Dr Muriel Newman.

ENDS

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