Judith Collins National Family Spokesperson

1 October 2003

Family counts and family works for our children

National Family Spokesperson Judith Collins says she wants to bring some commonsense back into the debate about parenting and the role of the family.

Ms Collins has been appointed National's Family Spokesperson today. Ms Collins is a former lawyer. Her work during 22 years practising law included dealing with many families in crisis.

"The family unit is still the best system that any culture has ever invented. It is found in every country in the world to be successful, with evidence that children are better off economically, and have access to a more nurturing and caring environment," she said.

"I want to bring back some sense to the debate about parents and children.

"When you have a Minister like Lianne Dalziel who says parents don't have rights then you have a problem. Parents do have rights.

"No amount of social workers will ever replace the family unit. In times of need people put their families first. Too many children are left without the comfort, support and discipline of a well-functioning family, and the resulting follow-on social problems are why we need to recognise the importance of family in our daily lives.

"As Family Spokesperson I will be pushing the need to recognise that parents have rights, and that they also have responsibilities. There will always be some family breakdown, but society needs to be reminded that family works if we want the best outcomes for our children," Ms Collins said.

Ms Collins is the MP for Clevedon and National's Associate Health Spokesperson. She is married with one son.

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