HON BRIAN DONNELLY MP
SPOKESPERSON FOR EDUCATION
Media Release - For immediate use
22 March 2000
NEW ZEALAND FIRST SEEKS GUARANTEE OF FAMILY LAW REFORM
New Zealand First has approached the Government for a guarantee that it will make Family Law reform a priority.
Hon Brian Donnelly said today that New Zealand is lagging behind many other countries in this area and that reforms are
needed urgently.
“I have written to the Attorney General, Margaret Wilson, today explaining that New Zealand First will oppose the
simplistic and inadequate measures proposed in ACT’s Shared Parenting Bill, if she can give an assurance that Family Law
will be reformed.
“However, if no commitment to Family Law reform is made by the Government we will vote for the Bill so the issues can be
aired publicly.”
Mr Donnelly stated New Zealand First stands by one non-negotiable principle – that the law should be founded on what is
in the best interests of the children.
‘We will not allow a situation in which children are treated as chattels,“ he said.
ENDS