Get Dyson Out Of CYF
Thursday 11 Mar 2004 Dr Muriel Newman Press Releases -- Social Welfare
Reports of almost 6,000 children languishing on the Department of Child, Youth and Family's waiting list are proof that
Labour is failing to protect abused children, ACT New Zealand Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman said today.
"These figures show there is a crisis in child welfare, and demonstrate the Labour Government's inability to turn the
department around," Dr Newman said.
"First we saw Minister Steve Maharey fall on his sword, and pass the hot CYF potato to Minister Ruth Dyson. These
reports show that she too is incapable of handling this most vital area of governance.
"Every government has an obligation to protect and help vulnerable and abused children. With CYF's record reading like
a litany of tragedy, the Labour Government is clearly failing to fulfil this duty.
"Each CYF failure is a child lost; a child whose future has been damaged - sometimes beyond repair. I am calling on
Prime Minister Helen Clark to address this most serious issue. Minister Ruth Dyson should be removed from the CYF
portfolio, and replaced with someone who can do the job," Dr Newman said.
ENDS
For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at
act@parliament.govt.nz.