He Mana tô ia Tamaiti/ Every Child Counts
Media statement
3 November 2008
Minor parties urged to prioritise policies for children
“Policies for children need to be a top priority in any confidence and supply or coalition talks taking place after the
election on Saturday”, says Every Child Counts[1].
“As the political parties begin identifying policy platforms for confidence and supply or coalition talks, it is
essential that the minor parties remember to put policies for children on the agenda,” adds Murray Edridge, Chairperson
of Every Child Counts.
“Public policy and political leadership make a significant contribution to the social and economic environments for
families and children. We need the minor parties to ensure their priorities for action in the next Parliament include
progress to end child poverty, implementing a universal framework of preparation for parenthood, and participating in
the all-party parliamentary group for children to be convened early in 2009.”
“Children’s health and wellbeing is an essential part of creating a safe, secure, productive and cohesive New Zealand”,
continues Mr Edridge
“Leaving children on the margins of policy-making is no longer an option. All Members of Parliament and political
parties elected on Saturday need to be mindful of how policies impact on children, and ensure children’s interests are
central to their considerations”.
“Every Child Counts urges all of the minor parties to prioritise children and advance policies that will improve their
status and wellbeing,” concluded Mr Edridge.
ENDS