Media Statement

For Immediate Release

Thursday 13th June 2002

Alliance the Only Choice Left for Youth

Staunch Alliance, the youth and student wing of the Alliance Party, are happy to endorse the Alliance's Youth Policy, announced by Laila Harré in Christchurch today.

"This policy is about building a positive future for the youth of NZ," said Sam Huggard, National Co-Spokesperson for Staunch and Number 13 on the Alliance Party List. "It values young people and shows that the Alliance considers youth to be crucial members of our society, and not problems to be solved."

The Alliance's Youth Policy includes:

a.. Support for youth health services, especially One Stop Health Shops and sexual health services

b.. Decriminalisation of marijuana as part of a harm minimisation strategy

c.. Launch of the Youth Radio Network

d.. Implementation of the Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy

e.. Pay equity for young workers

f.. Restore access to benefits for 16 and 17 year olds g.. Repeal s59 of the Crimes Act 1961 to protect children from abuse

h.. Address the unfairness of the current tertiary education system and ensure all young people have positive educational experiences

i.. Enhance youth representation and involvement in decision-making at all levels of NZ society

"Staunch is proud to have been involved in the development of this policy, which we believe showcases the party's strong commitment to youth," said Julie Fairey, National Co-Spokesperson, Candidate for Epsom and Number 16 on the Alliance Party List.

"We are pleased to be able to take this commitment to young voters in the coming weeks, with the message that a party vote for the Alliance is the best way to ensure that their interests are represented in the next Parliament."

Find out more about Staunch Alliance at www.staunch.org.nz

Contacts:

National Spokespeople

Sam Huggard

Number 13 on the Party List

Phone 03 477 2343

Or 021 181 0508

Email: samhuggard@yahoo.co.nz

Julie Fairey

Candidate for Epsom

Number 16 on the Party List

Phone 09 534 0699

Or 021 172 3467

Email: julie@staunch.org.nz

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