Judith Collins MP
National Party Pacific Island Affairs Spokeswoman

20 February 2007

Pacific Island parents concerned about smacking ban

National Party Pacific Island Affairs spokeswoman Judith Collins says Helen Clark should prepare for a backlash from the Pacific Islands community given her support for a smacking ban.

"From the conversations I have had with the Pacific community, it's clear they fear the anti-smacking legislation will further disempower them.

"Pacific families are traditionally very strong and functioning. Pacific children comprise only 6% of Child Youth and Family cases, yet parental discipline is practised by many Pacific families."

"No political party supports serious violence against children, but nor should we back a law change that potentially makes criminals out of otherwise responsible parents.

"The supporters of this legislation claim police will exercise discretion when deciding whether to prosecute. I'm not convinced that the Pacific community takes any comfort from that sort of assurance."

ENDS