Media statement
For immediate release
Monday, 30 July 2007

Second chance for child abuse talkfest?

David Benson-Pope’s replacement on the multi-party working group to combat child abuse has an opportunity to save the group from continuing as a do-nothing talk-fest.

“What should have been a platform to identify areas that enjoy cross-party support became briefing sessions on Labour party policy and MSD workings,” says United Future’s representative on the working group, Judy Turner.

“It has been useful to be kept informed of the strategies the government has been implementing, but that’s not why the group was formed. We had a genuine desire to work together to save our children, but this has been tarnished by petty political squabbles. We don’t need talk-fests nor inquiries.

“New Zealand’s strategy for combating child abuse must be free from interference by the political pendulum, which sees changing policy with every changing Government.”

The National Party withdrew from talks altogether in what was criticised as a petty display of politics. However, a new face at the table now has an opportunity to work more cooperatively and bring National back to our discussions, according to Mrs Turner.

“In light of the appalling circumstances around the Nia Glassie case, it is clear that child abuse is too important an issue to be played as a political football.

“My hope is that a new Government rep on the multi-party group will be able to do what David Benson-Pope could not; that is, bring all Parties to the table and nut out a basis for ongoing parliamentary action based on cross-party agreement,” says Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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