Call for release of children’s bill

Press, 19 April 1989, Page 9

Call for release of children’s bill

Legislation covering children and young persons should be returned to the public for further discussion, the Opposition spokesman on Social Welfare, Mr Venn Young, said yesterday. Public concern caused by TVNZ’s "Frontline” programme should demonstrate to the Minister of Social Welfare, Dr Cullen, that all was not well, said Mr Young. “It is deceitful of him to suggest that whatever present failings are in the administration will be rectified by the return to Parliament of. the Children and Young Persons Bill.

“The legislation to be returned to Parliament bears little resemblance

to the bill presented to Parliament by the then Minister of Social Welfare, Dame Ann Hercus, in 1987.”

Mr Young said the rules of Parliament were being “grossly abused” in an attempt by the Government to prevent public discussion on what was now a new bill. “Rather than solve problems that have been highlighted by recent controversy about the manner in which child abuse has been handled, the legislation is more likely to exacerbate them,” said Mr Young.

Dr Cullen should follow procedures that would allow the bill to be released to the public for consideration and comment, he said.