Annette KING
Deputy Leader of the Labour Party
Social Policy Spokesperson

2 June 2011 MEDIA STATEMENT
Report emphasises evidence, not prejudice

Labour’s Deputy Leader and Social Policy spokesperson Annette King is pleased the Government’s report on children has finally been released, and welcomes its emphasis on developing policy based on evidence and research.

Annette King says that the report from the Prime Minister’s chief science adviser, Sir Peter Gluckman, contains many recommendations that have already been included and released in Labour’s policy on children.

“I particularly agree with the emphasis on a good start in life for young children, including early intervention and the importance of early childhood education.

“It’s just a shame that on the same day Sir Peter’s report came out, so did the ECE Taskforce’s report foreshadowing the imminent demise for middle-income families of universal free 20 hours ECE,” Annette King said.

“On one hand the Government supports universal access to primary and secondary education, but is not prepared to support that principle in relation to ECE despite reports like Sir Peter’s emphasising how important the early childhood learning years are in a child’s development.

“I also hope that Social Development Minister Paula Bennett and Prime Minister John Key, who commissioned the report, note that Sir Peter has listed boot camps as a programme of ‘limited efficacy’,” Annette King said.

“The Government was told this at select committee, but didn’t listen, and millions of dollars have been wasted that could have been spent on early intervention.

“If they learn one thing from this report --- and I notice John Key appears to be avoiding discussion of both ECE and boot camps --- it is that interventions must be based on research and evidence, and not on patronage and prejudice,” Annette King said

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