MEDIA RELEASE
13 October 2008
It’s Not Just About Tax Cuts – Family First Releases Policy Check List
Family First NZ says the upcoming election is not just about taxation, and have released family policies which they are
encouraging voters and families to check against the policies of each political party.
“Many commentators seem to think that this election is all about tax cuts and the economy,” says Bob McCoskrie, National
Director of Family First NZ. “Economical issues are important, but far more important than what we get is the type of
society and values we are building (or destroying) for our future generations - our respect for life - the strengthening
of families - the safety and wellbeing of our children – and laws that protect our families.”
“It is interesting to observe media coverage of politician ‘walkabouts’ where voters seemed more interested in talking
about the anti-smacking legislation and education than they were tax cuts. Families deserve laws that strengthen and
protect them – not ones that redefine and undermine them according to politically correct ideology.”
The policy check list can be viewed on Family First’s website http://www.familyfirst.org.nz/index.cfm/Policy_Watch_08
and covers three broad areas; promoting marriage and families, promoting life, and promoting community values and
standards.
“Family First is not a political party. Our role is to be a voice for families in the public domain, and to research and
advocate for family and marriage issues,” says Mr McCoskrie
Some of the policies that Family First are promoting for all political parties to adopt include:
- amending the welfare and tax systems to eliminate disincentives to marriage and marriage penalties
- recognise that parents have primary responsibility for nurture, raising and educating of children, and governments
should respect and support the exercise of parental responsibilities
- replace the offices of Children’s Commissioner and Families Commission with a Ministry of Families
- Establish an independent CYF complaints authority so parents have an avenue to appeal the intervention of CYF and to
safeguard against abuse of state power
- Develop and enforce higher standards for TV, film, radio and advertising content including levels of violence, sexual
content and objectionable language.
and others in the areas of child abuse, euthanasia, family economics, aged care, abortion, street prostitution, parental
notification for teen pregnancy, and pornography.
“Strong families make a strong nation. We are encouraging voters to look beyond just the economical issues to the type
of society and values we want to build for our children and future generations,” says Mr McCoskrie.
ENDS