Change of heart an encouraging first step?

A Government back down on child harm prevention orders is a welcome change of heart, Labour’s Children’s spokesperson Jacinda Ardern says.

“Moves by Paula Bennett to strengthen child protection laws are commendable, but there were always serious concerns about the prevention orders and what they would actually achieve.

“Under these orders, courts would have been able to restrict the movements of people never convicted of an actual crime.

“That was always a major step to take, and a strong set of evidence needed to be produced that it would protect children.

“Parking the proposal today suggests that threshold couldn’t be met.

“Ms Bennett now needs to listen to the other strong message coming from New Zealanders - and that is to develop a comprehensive well-being plan for our kids.

“We need an action plan that is not just about picking up the pieces of abuse, but tries to prevent it.

“That would be another change of heart Labour would welcome.”

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