New Families Commissioners welcomed

May 12, 2009

Kiwi Party leader Larry Baldock welcomed the announcement today of the new appointments to the Families Commission. “Christine Rankin and Bruce Pilbrow have a wealth of experience to be able to make a positive contribution to the Commission,” said Mr Baldock.

“Christine Rankin’s experience as a strong campaigner against child abuse will hopefully assist in shifting the focus of the Commission from simply producing endless reports on the problems. What is needed is a clear voice to Government policy makers on solutions based action plans that will make a difference, in reducing our awful statistics on a whole range of family related social problems."

"Bruce Pilbrow from Parents Inc is well respected and will be able to represent parents with many sensible and practical suggestions on how they tackle the tough job of parenting. "

"I urge the new and existing Commissioners to review the position taken by the previous Commissioners on the ill-conceived and failed anti-smacking law, before the postal referendum is held during the three weeks leading up to August 21 this year. It would be a bright ray of hope to see the Commission speak out with genuine independence from the political interference that has been part of its culture under the previous Labour Government. Only then will it gain the confidence of good mums and dads all over this country.

"I am not surprised that Peter Dunne and Sue Bradford are upset by these appointments given that this will undermine their liberal influence over the Families Commission.

When Sue Bradford continuously claims that her law is ‘working well’ what can she possible mean? It has not reduced child abuse, nor led to the arrest and prosecution of any greater number the real child abusers. Perhaps her real intention was to make life more difficult for good mums and dads all over this country in which case she will be happy?"

ENDS

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