Turia's Response Late, Baffling, And Irrelevant

Friday 12 Sep 2003 Dr Muriel Newman Press Releases -- Social Welfare

ACT New Zealand Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today expressed surprise at Associate Child, Youth and Family Minister Tariana Turia's response yesterday to concerns raised about CYF almost two months ago.

"The fact that Ms Turia has taken so long to respond to my July 18 statement, entitled `CYF Throwing Children To The Lions', is a sad indictment of her abilities as Minister. Clearly, she is not on top of her portfolio," Dr Newman said.

"Further, her need to resort to personal attacks when faced with real concerns shows that she has missed the issue entirely. This is not about politics or personalities - it is about CYF doing its job and ensuring the safety of children in its care.

"CYF faces a range of problems - staff retention, growing abuse notifications and lack of adequate care facilities to name but a few.

"Rather than making disparaging remarks about Opposition MPs, whose role it is to hold the Government to account, Ms Turia should direct her energies into addressing issues in a timely fashion - in short, doing her job," Dr Newman said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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