From the press room
UnitedFuture children’s policy launched – 2008-09-11
UnitedFuture not only places children and parents firmly at the centre of all policy and planning – it exists as a party to keep Government focused on the family in all its shapes and sizes, party leader Peter Dunne told the Every Child Counts conference in Wellington today.
“The main principle of the UnitedFuture policy for children is that we believe it is key to invest in those on whom children rely for their well-being – namely parents and teachers,” he said.
Mr Dunne outlined UnitedFuture policy to:
• Retain the Families Commission and Children's Commissioner and
• Set personal tax rates as follows:
10% up to $12,000
20% between $12,001 and $38,000
30% above $38,000
UnitedFuture would also introduce income splitting for couples with dependent children.
“If we support the family as best we can, we believe that will lead to the best possible results for children,” he said.
Other UnitedFuture policies include:
• one-stop shop family service centres to meet community needs in a coherent and family-friendly way
• establishing a cross-party parliamentary group for children
• focusing on increasing affordable housing for families with children
• extending paid parental leave to 12 months
• funding Plunketline, separate to funding for Healthline.
The full children’s policy can be found at http://unitedfuture.org.nz/default,938,children.sm