Report endorses Labour’s “Children First” policy

A major report today by the Children’s Commissioner is a strong endorsement of Labour’s “Children First” policy that will form a key plank of our election campaign, Labour Deputy Leader Annette King said.

“The report highlights the importance of making sure young children get the best possible start in life, and says many of the things Labour has been saying since our party conference last year,” Annette King said.

“Tilting resources towards all children’s development in their early years is vital for New Zealand to ensure as many of our children remain free from harm and are able to live the best lives they can when they become adults.

“Initiatives including well-resourced and affordable early education, valuing and supporting young families and wide access to social and parenting programmes improve education, health and employment over a lifetime, and as a policy will pay for itself many times over in the long term.

“The report is much too important to be allowed to a sit on a shelf gathering dust.

“The Government needs to take a close look at this report if wants to be taken seriously when it talks about its determination to do something about issues such as child abuse.

“Labour’s ‘Children First’ policies, which we have been working on since early 2009, are comprehensive and set out a six-year agenda for change to ensure all children in New Zealand get the best start in life,” Annette King said.
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