MEDIA RELEASE

13 October 2008

It’s Not Just About Tax Cuts – Family First Releases Policy Check List

Family First NZ says the upcoming election is not just about taxation, and have released family policies which they are encouraging voters and families to check against the policies of each political party.

“Many commentators seem to think that this election is all about tax cuts and the economy,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ. “Economical issues are important, but far more important than what we get is the type of society and values we are building (or destroying) for our future generations - our respect for life - the strengthening of families - the safety and wellbeing of our children – and laws that protect our families.”

“It is interesting to observe media coverage of politician ‘walkabouts’ where voters seemed more interested in talking about the anti-smacking legislation and education than they were tax cuts. Families deserve laws that strengthen and protect them – not ones that redefine and undermine them according to politically correct ideology.”

The policy check list can be viewed on Family First’s website http://www.familyfirst.org.nz/index.cfm/Policy_Watch_08 and covers three broad areas; promoting marriage and families, promoting life, and promoting community values and standards.

“Family First is not a political party. Our role is to be a voice for families in the public domain, and to research and advocate for family and marriage issues,” says Mr McCoskrie

Some of the policies that Family First are promoting for all political parties to adopt include:

- amending the welfare and tax systems to eliminate disincentives to marriage and marriage penalties

- recognise that parents have primary responsibility for nurture, raising and educating of children, and governments should respect and support the exercise of parental responsibilities

- replace the offices of Children’s Commissioner and Families Commission with a Ministry of Families

- Establish an independent CYF complaints authority so parents have an avenue to appeal the intervention of CYF and to safeguard against abuse of state power

- Develop and enforce higher standards for TV, film, radio and advertising content including levels of violence, sexual content and objectionable language.

and others in the areas of child abuse, euthanasia, family economics, aged care, abortion, street prostitution, parental notification for teen pregnancy, and pornography.

“Strong families make a strong nation. We are encouraging voters to look beyond just the economical issues to the type of society and values we want to build for our children and future generations,” says Mr McCoskrie.

ENDS

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