Re-elect ACT to get rid of cotton wool law

Stephen Franks Friday, 2 September 2005 Press Releases - Other

ACT Justice spokesman Stephen Franks today endorsed the warning of Outward Bound Deputy Director Mark Squires that we are losing our heritage of outdoor competence.

"One of the key reasons I want to stay in Parliament is to progress my project to roll back cotton wool law.

"We think that as a people we are good off the tarseal. But it's not true for the generation reared by teachers and parents scared stiff of OSH liability.

"I want to restore the legal position that protected volunteers from hindsight prosecution for things that go wrong. Where there is good intent and no recklessness the law should reassure people that they won't be made scapegoats.

"It's bizarre to be spending hundreds of millions on adding to the territory under DOC control when Kiwi kids are increasingly stuck in front of their television screens and play stations.

"OSH liability is frightening DOC into getting rid of what its safety engineers call "sub standard" huts bridges and tracks.

"Who will use these wilderness areas when schools are now too scared to give kids bush experience unless they are wealthy enough to afford professional minders," Mr Franks said.

ENDS

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