Judith Collins MP
National Party Welfare Spokeswoman
30 March 2006

Dyson kept CYF merger secret

National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins says Ruth Dyson knew last year that the troubled Child Youth and Family was being set up to merge with the Ministry of Social Development.

“The fact she knew last year but never bothered to do any research about how the merger would impact on disadvantaged and at-risk children is outrageous. She has neglected her responsibilities to those kids.”

Ms Collins is commenting on an answer to a Parliamentary question where the Minister confirms she knew about the merger well in advance.

“Ms Dyson even kept this from CYF staff, who may have been in a position to provide her with more information about the risks of restructuring, the likely costs and the impact it will have on service delivery.

“So far Labour has provided nothing to suggest a merger between CYF and MSD will improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families. It’s time the Minister did some homework and provided the results to the public,” says Ms Collins.

ENDS

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