Get Dyson Out Of CYF

Thursday 11 Mar 2004 Dr Muriel Newman Press Releases -- Social Welfare

Reports of almost 6,000 children languishing on the Department of Child, Youth and Family's waiting list are proof that Labour is failing to protect abused children, ACT New Zealand Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman said today.

"These figures show there is a crisis in child welfare, and demonstrate the Labour Government's inability to turn the department around," Dr Newman said.

"First we saw Minister Steve Maharey fall on his sword, and pass the hot CYF potato to Minister Ruth Dyson. These reports show that she too is incapable of handling this most vital area of governance.

"Every government has an obligation to protect and help vulnerable and abused children. With CYF's record reading like a litany of tragedy, the Labour Government is clearly failing to fulfil this duty.

"Each CYF failure is a child lost; a child whose future has been damaged - sometimes beyond repair. I am calling on Prime Minister Helen Clark to address this most serious issue. Minister Ruth Dyson should be removed from the CYF portfolio, and replaced with someone who can do the job," Dr Newman said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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