Dunne: 'Swim coach' issue must not disappear

In congratulating Swimming New Zealand for suspending the female coach who had a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old boy, United Future leader Peter Dunne today renewed his call for urgent Government action to fix the legal anomaly that means the woman committed no crime.

"Good on Swimming New Zealand for taking the action it has, but it's quite tragic that a matter as reprehensible as this can only be dealt with by a sports body and not a criminal court," he said.

Mr Dunne brought the issue to public attention in mid-April, when he revealed the case, and the lack of legal protection young boys have from predatory women.

"It's two months now since Justice Minister Phil Goff said he was going to move this issue, but it's been dead quiet and this is one matter that should not be able to slip between the cracks.

"Neither boys or girls at that age have the maturity to cope with sexual relationships, and the law must be made to recognise this, and protect them from those who would abuse them," he said.

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