Bob Simcock
Opposition Social Services Spokesperson

11 June 2000

Will Maharey walk the walk?

"Children are expecting a lot from Steve Maharey.

"Prior to last year's election the Minister of Social Services toured the country making promises under the banner of his Children's' Agenda. He promised to accelerate investment in Family Start and Social Workers in Schools. He promised to enhance the status and resources of the Commission for Children. He promised to provide more resources for the Child Youth and Family Service. And he promised to introduce Child Mentality Reviews.

"The Budget next week will tell us if Mr Maharey's promises were just another example of 'What you say when you're in opposition'.

"Many of New Zealand's children depend on Mr Maharey delivering for them in this Budget. He must expand Family Start and Social Workers in Schools beyond the level the National Government had already committed. And he must substantially increase the resources available to the Child Youth and Family Service as National did last year.

"More relaunching of commitments already made by the previous government won't do.

"Mr Maharey is a very eloquent talker, now we must see if he can deliver," Mr Simcock said.

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