After 124 days with nothing to announce, the Minister of Social Services has been forced to launch another Family Start
initiative, designed under National, started by National, funded by National, and admit it's a good idea, says
National's Social Services spokesman Bob Simcock.
"Steve Maharey is struggling in the job and has had to fall back on positive programmes initiated by National to build
up some credibility with the social welfare sector.
"Last year, the National government committed an extra $41 million to expand Family Start to 13 more centres.
"Today's Hamilton launch should be the first of many. Planning for Family Start centres in Kaitaia, Whakatane, Kawerau,
Gisborne, Hastings, Wanganui, Horowhenua, Masterton, Porirua East, Nelson, Dunedin and Invercargill is already underway.
"National expects to see the new Government honour this social commitment. The money is committed, they agree there is a
need and Mr Maharey thinks National's Family Start programme is a good idea," says Mr Simcock.
Ends