7 December 2010 Media Statement

Labour will fight Tolley’s soft stance on pedophiles

Labour’s Education spokesperson Trevor Mallard is promising a protracted fight to try to defeat a government amendment bill that will remove early childhood centres in gyms and shopping centres from police vetting requirements.

Trevor Mallard has drafted a supplementary order paper to the Education Amendment Bill (No 2) that seeks to overturn Education Minister Anne Tolley’s intention to remove limited attendance centres from the definition of early childhood and care centre, meaning staff won’t be required to have police checks.

“There is a great deal of cross-party unease in Parliament about the soft line Anne Tolley is taking on pedophiles, and I am sure I will find plenty of support in my effort to defeat this irresponsible and ill-considered change,” Trevor Mallard said.

“She has been entirely unconvincing in response to questions I have asked about how it will be possible under her legislation to prevent the risk of pedophiles being able to target children.

“Anne Tolley is trying to put responsibility on to employers and parents, but this is unreasonable and onerous given that there is an easy safeguard in place now through police vetting of staff.”

Trevor Mallard said he was also promoting two other SOPs in relation to open and transparent Teachers Council disciplinary proceedings and heavier penalties for breaches of Disciplinary Tribunal orders.

ENDS

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