Key Condemns Kiwi Kids

Press Release by Hon Sir Roger Douglas, ACT New Zealand
Tuesday, December 1 2009

ACT New Zealand Economic Spokesman Sir Roger Douglas today accused Prime Minister John Key of condemning our children to mediocrity with his casual dismissal of the entire 2025 Taskforce Report.

"The Taskforce recommended measures to give parents freedom to choose the education that best suits their child's needs. Mr Key dismissed this out of hand – he doesn't understand that parents, not Government, know best what works for their child," Sir Roger said.

"Mr Key is clearly proud of an education system that sees 30 percent of Kiwi children leave school unable to read or write. Why else would he be so quick to dismiss recommendations that could improve education in New Zealand?

"The fact is that there is a mountain of evidence showing that in the right environment – such as the one proposed by the 2025 taskforce – we can turn this situation around.

"Both Mr Key and his Finance Minister Bill English are dangerously complacent about our children's futures. National pretends to care about average New Zealanders' welfare – but caring is about solving problems, not using ‘it's too radical' as an excuse to do nothing.

"ACT understands that we can't afford for 30 percent of our children to be permanently disadvantaged. National doesn't care. That's why ACT is prepared to make decisions that work rather than continue with the failing status quo," Sir Roger said.

ENDS

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