Dunne: Yes to Families, Children's Commissioners merging

United Future leader Peter Dunne today welcomed National's move towards
merging the Families and Children's commissioners, adding that that was
precisely what United Future had first advocated.

"The Nats have clearly come a long way after talking down the Families
Commission consistently for three years to now effectively acknowledging
its worth for the New Zealand family.

"And yes, there is a natural synergy with the role of the Children's
Commissioner. What's good for families is good for children and vice
versa," Mr Dunne said.

He added that both major parties were now clearly aware that United Future
held the Families Commission as a non-negotiable in any future coalition
arrangement and were obviously taking that into account.

"So any merger must be founded on bringing together the strengths and
potentials of both the Families Commission and the Children's Commissioner
and not some downgrading of either or both roles.

"We will not support any government that doesn not support the Families
Commission," Mr Dunne said.

ENDS

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