Media Release
11 March 2004
NZ First Calls For Action Over Child Abuse
“The dangerously high levels of reported and undiagnosed child abuse and neglect is an outrageous and shameful state of
affairs,” said Bill Gudgeon, New Zealand First social services spokesperson.
“The so called umbrella of the welfare state has been mislaid or broken for the 6000 children awaiting allocation in the
failing Child Youth and Family Department. All the excuses and hand wringing is of no comfort to small children who
silently await a lifeline.
Mr Gudgeon is calling upon the Prime Minister to step in and personally oversee the much-needed change for the troubled
department.
“Our children have an absolute right to better treatment. If adults had a 6000 waiting list for potentially life
threatening situations the machinery of government would act faster. Its time to take better care of New Zealand
children,” said Mr Gudgeon.
ENDS