Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Dunne cool on 'radical' child check-up proposal
Wednesday, 25 January 2006
Dunne cool on 'radical' child check-up proposal
United Future leader Peter Dunne says the Children's Commissioner's call for the Government to test all children four times during childhood to keep tabs on their welfare looks remarkably like trying to re-invent the wheel.
"I'm all in favour of making sure all our kids get the best start in life ? in fact, that's been one of United Future's core messages ? but instead of setting up a whole new ? and invariably expensive ? system, why not use the community resources we already have?" he asked.
"For example, Plunket, to name just one New Zealand organization, has decades of experience in assessing the health and welfare needs of New Zealand children.
"There are many other locally-based and experienced organisations who can do the work the Commissioner is calling for ? let's make sure they're well-equipped to do the job.
"More well-meaning smothering by nanny state is not the answer," said Mr Dunne.
ENDS
Gordon Campbell: On Why We Can’t Survive Two More Years Of This
Interchurch Bioethics Council: Church Bioethics Agencies Express Dismay at the Rushed Consultation Period for Submissions on the Gene Technology Bill
New Zealand Police: More Than $2.5m Worth Of Assets Restrained In Undeclared Tobacco Case
SPCA: Survey Shows Government Lacks Mandate To Repeal Live Export Ban
Peace Action Ōtautahi: Bridge Of Remembrance Peace Protest
National Wetland Trust: Public Asked To Help Prevent Fires In Wetlands This Summer
Lillian Hanly, RNZ: The Year In Politics - Stories That Dominated The Headlines In 2024
