Media Release
14 May 2004
Jones Commends Family Court
New Zealand First Justice spokesman Dail Jones is delighted that the Judgment in the Nelson custody case has finally
been released.
“Could Solomon have done better? “Asks Mr Jones.”
The Justice and Electoral Select Committee had received a copy of the Family Court decision, but in accordance with
Parliamentary Privilege no comment could be made on it until its release.
“The law for many decades has been that the best interests of the child must always be given priority. Mr Nick Smith of
the National Party seems to want a change in the law to ensure that the best interests of biological parents should have
priority. This goes against the stated policy of the National Party and once again, one asks whether the National Party
is confused in its policies with regard to children and the family?
“Confused National Party policy seems to be the norm these days.”
“The decision of the Family Court Judge was impeccable in its presentation and analysis, and I commend the Family Court
for its humane approach to an extremely difficult situation involving family violence and its affect on a child.”
“It should be a lesson to Members of Parliament that Courts do not reach decisions lightly and where parents have been
involved in violence the Courts sometimes have to make unusual decisions, as has proved to be the case on this occasion,
“ said Mr Jones.
ENDS