Wed, 21 Aug 2002

New Green MP Rejects Two-Parent Families

"Yesterday we received a letter written on behalf of Metiria Turei, MP," says Lindsay Mitchell, petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB. " It contained the following message; 'The Member does not believe that.... the two-parent family is the "cornerstone of society." Rather, it is the Member's view that the loving warmth of a group of caring adults creates families, whether residing in the same house or not.' "

"This is a nice sentiment but the writer ignores that such 'groups' are not generally able to financially support children. The cost of running two households rather than one can be prohibitive. Hundreds of grandparents with their only income from a pension, struggle to bring up grandchildren whose parents can't or won't. The single parent is often unable to provide stability, security and for the emotional needs of his or her children."

Mitchell continues, "Implicit in Ms Turei's views is an assumption that the economic viability of the two-parent family is irrelevant. The tax- payer as the financial provider while one or more parents choose to reside elsewhere is obviously acceptable."

"If we all held this view and proceeded to indulge it, western society would fail. We are already dangerously close to reaching a level where the number of dependents cannot be sustained. In a population of 4 million we have a workforce of 1.8 million and a sixth of those only work part-time."

"Still, Ms Turei's views would be endorsed by her 'rainbow society' party who would also prefer to see New Zealanders working fewer hours and taking more holidays, regardless of their individual preferences."

"The Greens social vision for the world is utopian nonsense and most thinking people recognise this. The worry is that their influence on social policy will further exacerbate our welfare problems. They have already succeeded in achieving abolition of the DPB worktesting despite Treasury's recommendations to the contrary."

"In the coming term it will be more than interesting to see an increased section of the conservative right square off against the liberal, 'anything goes' leftists, to define the 'family'. Above all other considerations, " Mitchell urges, "They should remember that they are debating what is genuinely best for the child."

Lindsay Mitchell Petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB

ph/fx 04 562 7944 e-mail dandl.mitchell@clear.net.nz

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