Bradford Wrong Again

Thursday, 21 June 2007, 8:00pm
Press Release: New Zealand Young Nationals
Matthew Patterson – President

21 June 2007

Bradford Wrong Again

Just weeks after the amended smacking bill was passed Sue Bradford is at it again. And once again the Green MP has got it wrong with her a plan to introduce a private members bill lowering the voting age to 16.

Young Nationals President Matthew Patterson says the Young Nationals will not be supporting the proposal.

“18 should be remain the age at which we give the youth of New Zealand such an important responsibility”, says Mr Patterson

At the age of 18 we are deemed to have ‘come of age’ – that is when we can purchase alcohol, smoke and get married without consent. By that age the vast majority of young people are independent and ready to make an informed decision.

In comparison, the majority of 16 and 17 year olds are still dependent on their parents and in full-time education. To allow young people to vote at such a young age risks many casting their vote on a whim.

In that respect any move to introduce civics education into the national curriculum statements has merit.

Mr Patterson says that the Young Nationals have faith in the youth of New Zealand, but that Ms Bradford’s proposal is a step too far; “at 16 young people should be left to enjoy the twilight years of their childhood”.

ENDS

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