Media Release

Parents for Children

9 August 2005

For immediate release:

Ministers ''Day of Reckoning'' at the expense of Kiwi Kids

David Cunliffe, the Minister responsible for child support, has stated to NewsTalk ZB that "the law is stacked against solo mothers and in favour of the businessman who flits off to Geneva with his mistress." He describes the proposed changes to the law as a “day of reckoning”.

"The Child Support Act is a piece of legislation that fails to recognise the diversity of New Zealand families. The Act takes from one parent for the exclusive benefit of the other parent at the expense of the children. To say it is stacked against solo mothers is unfair and ignores and demeans the important role other parents play. Mr Cunliffe should apologise for the offence this causes. He has shown that child support legislation is written to benefit one group of parents and not the best interest of kiwi kids", commented Mark Shipman, National President, Parents for Children, on the proposed changes to the Child Support Act 1991.

"After offending parents with these comments, Mr Cunliffe goes on to say "there will be a day of reckoning with this bill". This is an overt threat against the parents and hundreds of thousands of children affected by this legislation. Mr Cunliffe should consider how to encourage parents to take financial and emotional responsibility for their children, instead of issuing threats and punitive measures" observed Shipman.

"Parents for Children believe these outrageous comments cannot go unchallenged. It's neither fair nor reasonable to legislate in favour of one group of parents over another. New Zealanders believe in a land of inclusive equality. Cunliffe's dated thinking has to go! It's time that there was a real overhaul of the archaic and discriminatory Child Support Act" concluded Shipman.

ENDS

© Scoop Media