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Speaker of the House, Hon Margaret Wilson, and Clem Simich receive inaugural award at ECC Conference

Every Child Counts Award presented to Parliament

The Speaker of Parliament, Hon Margaret Wilson, and Deputy Speaker, Clem Simich MP, received the inaugural He Mana t� ia Tamaiti/ Every Child Counts institutional award presented to Parliament today.

"The Every Child Counts awards are presented to an individual and an institution which have made a significant contribution in the past year to improving the status and well-being of children.

"We have presented the institutional award to Parliament in recognition of the work done this year to pass into law the Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Act. The Act recognises the right of children to dignity and legal protection from physical punishment," said Murray Edridge of the Every Child Counts Steering Group.

"The Award presentation highlights the importance of institutions and organisations in making a difference to the lives of children. We hope it will encourage others to make a commitment to improving the status of children, too.

"While it is unusual for Parliament to be acknowledged for good work, it is a pleasure to note that on the occasion of the passing of the Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Act the vast majority of MPs supported the new law and in so doing they have helped secure an important improvement in the legal status of New Zealand children," concluded Mr Edridge.

ENDS

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