8. RUSSELL FAIRBROTHER (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
What reports has she received regarding policy priorities for children?
Hon Maurice Williamson Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I am slightly perplexed. I would like an assurance from the Government that that is the real Russell Fairbrother. He does not normally sit there, and that voice was not the voice of Russell Fairbrother. It may have been—
Madam SPEAKER
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
I have seen the call from Every Child Counts to make children’s issues central to political considerations. Our Government agrees that children must be at the heart of good policy. That is why we have implemented policies such as 20 free hours’ early childhood education and the introduction of paid parental leave provisions, and policies to reduce child poverty—all policies that National voted against.
Russell Fairbrother Link to this
What reports has the Minister received on the outcomes of the Labour-led Government’s policies for children?
Earlier in the year I welcomed research that indicated that 130,000 children have been lifted out of poverty since 2001. A further report will be released shortly, confirming that the position of New Zealand children has improved across a wide range of indicators: infant mortality has halved, immunisation levels have significantly improved, and early childhood education participation has increased.
Judy TurnerDoes the Minister agree that any children’s policy that does not prioritise improved support for the 10 percent of children with disabilities, who currently attract only 1 percent of the funding for compulsory education towards their support, lacks credibility; and can she advise us of the priorities of her Government in regard to those children?