More than 50% of South Auckland babies are hospitalised in their first year of life according to Roger McClay, Commissioner for Children. He revealed this reprehensible statistic as a reason why Paid Parental Leave should be introduced without delay.

"Mr McClay's reasoning defies logic," comments Lindsay Mitchell, Campaigner for the Abolition of the DPB. "South Auckland has the highest number of DPB beneficiaries in New Zealand, not the highest number of working mothers. Mr McClay claims that Paid Parental Leave will increase bonding, breastfeeding, health and reduce sickness, child abuse and hospital admissions, but surely DPB beneficiaries are already on paid parental leave - indefinitely. Why then is his theory not working in South Auckland?"

The fact that over 50% of South Auckland babies are hospitalised in their first year and the highest number of DPB beneficiaries reside in South Auckland is a clear reason why we need an urgent parliamentary review into the continuing provision of this benefit.

Lindsay Mitchell

Campaigners for the Abolition of the DPB

Ph/Fx 04 562 7944

e-mail dandl.mitchell@clear.net.nz

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