National's Justice spokesman Tony Ryall today said the review of guardianship, custody and access laws must be more than just a few wording changes.

"Professor Wilson must listen to submissions on the review this time. I only hope she does a better job of this than she has with her changes to Matrimonial Property legislation.

"It is ironic that Professor Wilson is keen to talk about the effect guardianship laws have on families and children when she is turning a blind eye to the effect her matrimonial property legislation will have on the same group of people.

"The changes the Government is making to matrimonial property legislation will see the majority of relationship breakups come before the courts - that's what family lawyers are telling the select committee. The last thing parents and their children need is a long, acrimonious court battle when they are trying to get on with their lives.

"The Minister isn't listening to the hundreds of submissions from lawyers and family and church groups who warned her of the impact the Government's legislation will have on New Zealand families. I only hope she actually takes note of the submissions to this discussion document.

"If Professor Wilson is genuinely worried about the rights of a child when a family separates she should start by reviewing her proposals for matrimonial property legislation," Mr Ryall said.

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