He Mana tô ia Tamaiti/ Every Child Counts

Media statement

3 November 2008

Minor parties urged to prioritise policies for children

“Policies for children need to be a top priority in any confidence and supply or coalition talks taking place after the election on Saturday”, says Every Child Counts[1].

“As the political parties begin identifying policy platforms for confidence and supply or coalition talks, it is essential that the minor parties remember to put policies for children on the agenda,” adds Murray Edridge, Chairperson of Every Child Counts.

“Public policy and political leadership make a significant contribution to the social and economic environments for families and children. We need the minor parties to ensure their priorities for action in the next Parliament include progress to end child poverty, implementing a universal framework of preparation for parenthood, and participating in the all-party parliamentary group for children to be convened early in 2009.”

“Children’s health and wellbeing is an essential part of creating a safe, secure, productive and cohesive New Zealand”, continues Mr Edridge

“Leaving children on the margins of policy-making is no longer an option. All Members of Parliament and political parties elected on Saturday need to be mindful of how policies impact on children, and ensure children’s interests are central to their considerations”.

“Every Child Counts urges all of the minor parties to prioritise children and advance policies that will improve their status and wellbeing,” concluded Mr Edridge.

ENDS

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