Labour’s Agenda For Change – Putting Children First

Labour’s Deputy Leader and Social Development spokesperson Annette King announced today a new stage in Labour policy which explicitly puts children at the centre of investment in social service delivery.

Annette King, speaking at Labour’s annual conference in Auckland, said Labour’s new social policy will allow voters to make a clear distinction between the two main political parties.

“The next Labour Government will put children at the centre of policy in areas including health, education, social development and housing,” Annette King said.

“Labour’s six-year agenda for change adopts the best evidence-based new thinking here and overseas and turns it into an action plan to give all Kiwi children the best possible start in life. It has three main components:

Legislation and structural change

Crucial early phases in children’s development, aged 0-2 and 3-5 years

Breaking the cycle of socio-economic deprivation

“The new approach breaks down government silos, reduces duplication and closes the huge gaps in service delivery that currently exist; it focuses on providing support and incentives as families’ priorities change as a child develops through the first five years; and it recognises that coordinated action by government over a number of political terms is core to breaking the poverty cycle.

“It is not about the Government bringing up children. It is families and whanau who work through the stresses and challenges of contemporary life.

“Labour’s agenda for change is based on government and the community supporting the work of families by providing tools and services that build on their strengths and the resilience of parents and caregivers, stepping in when necessary to ensure the safety and protection of children.

“It recognises advances in understanding linking a child’s development during its early years with a positive adult life.

“Labour is committed to implementing policy that is fair, based on what works, provides opportunities and builds on the responsibilities and rights of all New Zealanders.

“New Zealand should be the best country in the world in which to bring up our children. Sadly, too many fall through the gaps – and we are all the poorer because of that.

“Labour’s agenda for change will put a champion for children at the top table.”

ENDS

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