Sue MORONEY
Women’s Affairs Spokesperson
31 July 2013
MEDIA STATEMENT
Funding certainty vital for community organisations
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett’s protracted approach to the funding shortfalls of community advocacy
organisations is thwarting vital services, says Labour’s Women’s Affairs spokesperson Sue Moroney.
“The Minister might have offered a rare olive branch to the sector today, restoring funding to Auckland's Sexual Abuse
Help Foundation, but while the decision is welcome, the process to get there took far too long.
“This critical organisation waited nine months for action from Ms Bennett, during which their ability to support victims
of sexual violence was affected.
“The funding constraints of this particular organisation are well known. Last year I headed a petition to Parliament to
prevent the closure of HELP’s services. In December the Minister agreed to plug the funding gap.
“It is now almost August. That kind of delay is unacceptable for an organisation facing increasing demand.
"Thanks to the hard work and tenacity of the HELP Foundation, they have now returned to the funding certainty they had
under Labour.
“Community advocacy organisations face an uphill battle in their dealings with Paula Bennett. Let’s just hope the
process for other organisations desperately seeking funding certainty isn’t this drawn out.”
ENDS