Thursday, 9 September, 2004

Dunne delighted Govt uplifting UF's CYFS policy

The Government today confirmed that it was looking at uplifting two key United Future policy planks on restructuring CYFS, with a Bill that may come before Parliament as early as next week.

"It's about recognising what needs to be done and doing it," United Future leader Peter Dunne said, after Associate Social Development Minister Ruth Dyson confirmed that the Government would move to devolve some CYFS responsibility to non-government and community organisations, and take on a differential-intake model to fast-track critical cases - both key United Future policy initiatives.

"We launched a comprehensive policy for restructuring CYFS in April and it really is all about putting a system that works in the place of one that is failing New Zealanders by the day," Mr Dunne said.

CYF Amendment Bill No4 is expected to go before Parliament next week, and the United Future positions will be put as supplementary order papers, Ms Dyson told Parliament.

United Future's family affairs spokeswoman, Judy Turner, who jointly launched the party's policy earlier this year, was also delighted with the development.

"It's great to see the Government recognise this and take our model on board so comprehensively. These changes are for the best and will make a real difference to the lives of real people in real families.

"This is a big step forward," Mrs Turner said.

ENDS

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