15 May 2014

Budget includes some positive but not the game changer we need

Every Child Counts welcomes the focus in the budget aimed at increasing child wellbeing, notably an extension of free GP visits to under-13s and an increase in paid parental leave.

These changes are steps in the right direction and show a real commitment to improving the wellbeing of children in Aotearoa New Zealand.

However, these changes do not go far enough to address the most significant issues facing our children, such as child poverty.

For Every Child Counts, the Children’s Commissioner's Expert Advisory Group on Solutions to Child Poverty provides a blueprint for what is needed to eliminate child poverty.

“Given we have solutions at our finger tips, we call on the Government to commit to actioning the recommendations in the report, beginning with the development of an action plan that includes targets and measures" said Lisa Woods, Every Child Count's Executive Officer.

The Expert Advisory Group's recommendations include initiatives such as extending free GP visits to age 17 years, a warrant of fitness for all rental housing and the creation of a new, simpler income support payment for families with dependent children.

"This is about Government and our entire Parliament of elected representatives owning this issue and showing leadership to protect our children" said Lisa.

About Every Child Counts
Every Child Counts is a coalition of organisations working to improve the status and wellbeing of NZ children, driven by Barnardos, Plunket, UNICEF, Save the Children, and Mana Ririki.
www.everychildcounts.org.nz

ENDS

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