25 OCTOBER 2007

Our MP’s Must Remember It Is Not Ok

Jigsaw Family Services CEO Strategic Relations, Tau Huirama believes that Parliament is sending mixed messages about the ‘Its Not Ok’ family violence campaign. This follows news that senior Government minister Trevor Mallard ‘slapped or hit’ National backbench MP Tau Henare.

Tau Huirama believes that Mr Mallard should be accountable for his behavior as the ‘Its Not Ok’ campaign suggests.

“The ‘Its Not Ok’ campaign that the Government is running, is a strong campaign that aims to stop violence in any form and includes all sectors in Aotearoa. But Mr Mallard needs to be accountable for his actions against this campaign. Otherwise it will appear that the campaign is only for people in the street.”

Mr Huirama believes as leaders of the country, our MP’s should be setting the right example for the rest of us.

“The Government is in the limelight and our MP’s are the leaders of our country. They should be setting the example that violence is not ok in any circumstances. Attitude reflects leadership and this will have sent conflicting messages to New Zealand’s children and families. The good work of the campaign could be undermined by this.”

While Mr Huirama doesn’t condone Tau Henare speaking about Trevor Mallard’s personal life in the debating chamber at parliament, he says provocation is no excuse for physical violence.

“If I was walking down the street and someone provoked me and I hit them, I would be liable for assault, so why should members of parliament be allowed to do it?”

ENDS

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