Turner: Smacking should not overshadow SKIP

The fact that the newly launched SKIP parenting programme is not bogged down in smacking ideology is a plus, United Future's Judy Turner said today.

"This programme is about positive parenting strategies, and it is actually a very good thing that SKIP itself is not designed to be bogged down in one issue," Mrs Turner, United Future's family affairs spokeswoman, said.

"Parenting is considerably more complex than to smack or not to smack. This programme looks to the positives and opportunities for better parenting in a wide range of areas," she said.

Mrs Turner said the programme had many positives.

"It is good that the Government is not trying to reinvent the wheel as it is making available funding to the hardworking non-profit organisations that already work to support and educate parenting.

"It also encourages inter agency co-operation within regions to support families, and allows local communities to determine how they will support the families in their area," Mrs Turner said.

However she sounded a warning that agencies needed to remain very clear in their minds that this initiative is only guaranteed for four years.

"They need to plan wisely. Any new initiatives need to be structured so that they are not going to fall over if funding ends after four years. There should be a strong eye on having self-sustainable programmes," she said.

© Scoop Media