Media Release
For immediate release

Wellington, Thursday, 27 August 2009

Salvation Army says move on from anti-smacking distractions.

The Salvation Army hopes the nation will not be distracted further by the ongoing debate over New Zealand’s anti-smacking legislation.

The Salvation Army is pleased the Prime Minister is not supporting attempts to prolong the debate.

“As a country we need to focus on the critical social and economic issues facing New Zealand,”says Salvation Army spokesperson Major Campbell Roberts.

It is time to move on and give attention to the problems impacting the most vulnerable of New Zealanders, he says.

“This includes unacceptably high levels of violence against children, especially in their own homes where they should be experiencing love, nurture and safety.”

Also, too many New Zealand children are still in households that fall below the poverty line and this must be the priority for Parliament and government action

“Daily, Salvation Army social services are seeing children whose lives are being impacted by family violence, inadequate housing, lack of jobs and the abuse of alcohol and drugs. Addressing these issues must be foremost on the nation’s agenda,” said Major Roberts.

‘This is where the energies of all citizens, including government agencies and politicians, need to be directed at this time.’

Issued on the Authority of Commissioner Donald Bell (Territorial Commander)
The Salvation Army, New Zealand Fiji & Tonga Territory

ENDS

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