Strong support for repeal of section 59 of the Crimes Act
Barnardos strongly supports the repeal of section 59 of the Crimes Act and urges politicians to support the first
reading of Sue Bradford’s private member’s bill when it comes before Parliament on Wednesday, 27 July.
“It is a fundamental right of all human beings to be protected in law from violence,” explained Murray Edridge, Chief
Executive of Barnardos. “It is intolerable therefore that children should be the only group in our society to whom the
law offers a lesser protection.”
“Physical punishment is not necessary for the discipline of children, any more than it is necessary to the discipline of
wives, household servants, apprentices, soldiers, seafarers or criminals,” he continued. “The law has long since been
amended to make it clear that physical punishment cannot be used against these groups and it is time for the law to be
clear that it should not be used in the punishment of children either.”
“It is not helpful to structure the debate as a contest pitting children’s rights against parents’ rights. Parenting is
an immensely rewarding role but at the same time it is very demanding. That’s why it is essential that central
government supports organisations such as Barnardos in providing family support and parenting services to the community.
And it has been our experience that parents don’t actually want to strike their children, but relish the opportunity to
learn alternative parenting techniques based upon the principles of positive parenting,” he said.
Murray Edridge explained that it was Barnardos view that with an election just called now was not the right time for a
full debate of the issues and he urged politicians to refer the Bill to a select committee to provide opportunity for
submissions from the community before deliberating on the bill when the new Parliament sits.
ENDS