Kids matter

by frog

Sue B launched the Greens’ children’s policy for the 2005 election at a child summit in Hamilton yesterday. Some key points:

  • Work towards eliminating child poverty by 2010.
  • Increase the rate of state house provision.
  • Encourage a far more child-friendly workplace culture, including through flexible working hours, breastfeeding facilities, and tax incentives to employers.
  • Retain the right of sole parents to remain on the DPB while children are growing up.
  • Repeal Section 59 of the Crimes Act so that parents may no longer use the defence of ‘reasonable force’ when they beat their children.
  • Decrease children’s exposure to violence on TV and through computer and video games.

At the child summit in Hamilton, there were two interesting developments. First: New Zealand’s first ever children’s commissioner, Ian Hassall, has lamented the attitude of both Labour and National towards children. Second: Sue B‘s Bill to repeal Section 59 seems to have easily enough support to pass its first reading.

frog says

Published in Health & Wellbeing | Society & Culture by frog on Thu, June 30th, 2005   

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