Carol Beaumont

Spokesperson for Women’s Affairs

Thursday, 17 March 2011

MEDIA STATEMENT

Minister Gives No Assurances for Women

Labour’s Women’s Affairs spokesperson Carol Beaumont says National has underlined its lack of commitment to women by failing to give any assurance the Women’s Affairs Ministry will be retained as a separate entity, or even to give any thought to training women to take part in the Christchurch rebuilding programme.

“Acting Minister Paula Bennett’s supercilious responses to questions in Parliament today give no confidence the Government has any real commitment to women, or to any strategic plan,” Carol Beaumont said.

“The possibility of merging the Ministry of Women’s Affairs with another department places independent advice and scrutiny of government policy on women’s issues at risk.

“There is much still to be done to achieve equality for women. Under this government women are going backwards and if the Ministry is disestablished this situation is likely to worsen.

“Furthermore, National has no idea how important a role women can play in the Christchurch rebuild. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs has an explicit goal to get more women into traditional trades’ jobs, but where is the Government’s plan to train women to take part in skilled construction in Christchurch?

“The best Paula Bennett could say today was that she knew women could handle hammers. How supercilious --- or super-silly--- is that response?

“The absence of strategic thinking and of a plan is typical of this Government. The need for active government and a strong independent Ministry focused on the economic and social development of women is essential,” Carol Beaumont said.

ENDS

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