Asenati Lole-Taylor MP
Spokesperson for Social Policy/Welfare
2 October 2012

New Family Court Changes Put Families At Risk

New Zealand First is calling on the Government to back down on proposed changes to the Family Court system including the introduction of an $897 compulsory Family Dispute Resolution Service fee.

Welfare and Social Policy spokesperson Asenati Lole-Taylor says the fee will deter some vulnerable families from going to court.

“There will be a significant number of families who simply won’t have the money for this sort of court action. They are being priced out of the justice system.

“The proposed fee is about the Government making money from struggling families rather than trying to help them find responsible solutions.”

Mrs Lole-Taylor is also concerned about a proposed reduction to free counselling which makes a mockery of the Government’s policy of ‘putting children first’.

“The Government should make all possible avenues for help and assistance accessible and effective for vulnerable children and families.

“This is just another cost-cutting measure from a heartless Government which has a terrible record of providing more hurdles than remedies.”

ENDS

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