Thursday, 14 September 2006

Turner regrets National stance on family violence

United Future leader Judy Turner said today she regrets the National Party has withdrawn from the multi-party group on family violence.

"Family violence is such a fundamental issue affecting the health of New Zealand society that it is vital we achieve the greatest possible political consensus on how to deal with it," she said.

"My fear is that National's Judith Collins has withdrawn from the group for immediate political point-scoring.

"But family violence is a complex issue that can only be solved by seeking long-term solutions and grandstanding for the media is not one of those solutions.

"I urge the National Party leadership to reconsider the decision to withdraw and to recommit itself to joining the national desire to see an end to New Zealand's appalling record of family violence - the sort of violence that resulted in the death of the Kahui twins.

"It's rare indeed for politicians of all parties to work co-operatively on an issue of national importance - it would be a sad day to see such a collaborative effort thrown away for a perceived temporary gain," said Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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