2 May 2007

Every Child Counts welcomes political consensus on Section 59

The political consensus that has emerged today in support of changes to Section 59 of the Crimes Act has been welcomed by Every Child Counts.

Every Child Counts project manager, Deborah Morris-Travers said, “The amendment proposed by the government today, to confirm in law that Police have discretion about whether or not to prosecute parents who use physical punishment, should allay public fears.

“The amendment reflects what we have always known about Police discretion. However, it will make a difference to public perception about the bill to have a specific mention of this discretion in the new law.”

“While we welcome moves to avoid trivial cases being brought against parents, there is a need to monitor the way in which the law is implemented to ensure that Police discretion doesn’t lead to cases of serious assault on children not being pursued. The bill outlaws the use of force for the purposes of correction and this must be upheld.
It is vital that the new amendment doesn’t lead to children’s interests once again being overlooked on the basis that violence against them is deemed to be ‘inconsequential’.

“We welcome having the political parties on common ground in support of the bill, as it will help us move the wider debate forward. The bill will help increase public understanding that physical punishment is not a necessary or effective way to improve children’s behaviour.”

“This bill has always been about improving child safety. That is something all Kiwis should aspire to and it makes sense for all parties to support it. We congratulate all of the MPs who have worked to achieve the consensus in support of the bill, and all of those who vote in support of it at its final stages,” concluded Ms Morris-Travers.

ENDS

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