29 July, 2005

Media statement
For immediate use

How about one for children, Helen.

Yesterday Prime Minister Helen Clark announced the third pledge of Labour’s pledge card. Every Child Counts calls on her to include child-specific pledges.

“The pledge card is a useful tool in restoring voter confidence in the political process,” said Murray Edridge, spokesperson for Every Child Counts, “but let’s have some pledges for children.”

“Although politicians have been making some positive references to Every Child Counts in Parliament recently, the fact is the main parties are again marginalizing children this election, presumably because they don’t vote. But the Every Child Counts campaign has found a growing number of people who are willing to vote on children’s behalf.

“No doubt the Prime Minister will argue that today’s children will benefit by the pledges so far given as tomorrow’s tertiary students and apprentices. But that’s not good enough. Children today have present needs and at least one pledge must address those present needs.

“Every Child Counts suggested to the Prime Minister that the remaining pledges on the card be –

- To specifically consider the impact on children of all new policy

- To eradicate child poverty by 2015

- To ensure every children has a good early start

- To reduce child abuse and neglect.” Murray Edridge concluded.

ENDS

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