Media statement

For immediate release
Friday, 30 January 2004

Dunne backs social outcomes reporting

United Future leader Peter Dunne said today he was encouraged to hear the Government wants future governments to report social as well as economic outcomes, when it reports on the state of the nation.

“I’m just somewhat surprised the Government has taken so long to pick up an idea proposed by the then-United Party 8 years ago,” he said.

The Minister for Social Development, Steve Maharey, said yesterday, "Looking ahead to 2004 the government feels confident that the social position of New Zealanders will continue to improve.

“Our future depends on the capacity and capability of people and we intend to continue to invest in New Zealanders as a top priority."

Mr Maharey also indicated that he will be seeking Cabinet's agreement to introduce legislation requiring all future governments to report on social outcomes.

"Social reporting by governments will ensure that we never again get into a situation where the social well being of the nation is ignored or marginalized as it was under National. These statistics would sit alongside the economic statistics the government currently produces to give an overall picture of the nation's social and economic development," he said.

Mr Dunne commented, “This is almost identical to the policy proposed by the United Party in 1996 when it put up a Social Responsibility Bill.

“Today, United Future agrees that people are New Zealand’s greatest asset and there’s a great more to them than just their bank balances.

“Any moves towards reporting their social, as well as economic well-being, are to be applauded.”

ends

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