Friday, 31 August 2007

Fathers undervalued under Labour - Turner

Fathers’ Day is the time for families and the community to recognise and celebrate fantastic fathers throughout New Zealand, but is also a time to acknowledge that fathers need to be better supported, according to UnitedFuture family spokesperson, Judy Turner.

“First and foremost, it’s fantastic to recognise the tremendous value of all the great fathers in this country. The next thing we need to do is pressure the Government to better support those fathers who need it,” says Mrs Turner.

“The statistic reminding us that fathers get seven fewer Fathers Days due to dying earlier and becoming fathers later is food for thought. The health outcomes for men in this country are far below that of our women – yet the Government spends far less money spent on them.

“The Family Court is another area where thousands of willing and loving fathers are still being systematically removed from maintaining a caring role with their children, yet the Government refuses to address the issue.

“In fact the law does not even give men the right to a DNA test to prove whether they are or are not the father of a child. It’s an easy oversight to fix – but the Government again refuses to even acknowledge the mess this can make of families.

“New Zealand’s top scholars have tried telling the Government that family violence is not simply men abusing women and children, but in most cases both parties are violent towards each other. Yet the Government refuses to fund projects or research that addresses violence by women as well as men, or acknowledges male victims of family violence.

“Fathers Day should be fully embraced this year, but I am mindful that there are many fathers who have been badly let down by this Government. One assurance I can give ahead of Fathers’ Day is that UnitedFuture will continue fighting to improve things for all fathers and their families."

ENDS

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