News

SJA staff
Published on
Social Justice Aotearoa CEO Jackie Foster has had written confirmation from National party
leader, Christopher Luxon, that a National elected government will reinstate a children’s
commissioner immediately.
 
Foster wrote to the National Party leader, Christopher Luxon, earlier this month, asking him
directly if this labour government removes the role of Children’s Commissioner, would a
National elected government reinstate the commissioner role? “Simply the direct answer
was yes” Jackie said.
 
When asked why would a lobby group that focuses on mainly corrections and policing issues
would be concerned about the role of children’s commissioner, Foster replied “Social Justice
Aotearoa is a lobby group for all New Zealanders and the wellbeing of our children is vital to
the future of our nation. Our Children’s Commissioner plays a vital role in the upbring and
support of our children and works tirelessly to assure that children who have troubled starts
in life get the help and assistance they need to get back on track and not end up as just
another statistic”.
 
Last week Jackie met with the Hon Louise Upston, who has also been very vocal on the
Children’s Commissioner issue and was given reassurance that National will not back down
in its opposition to the removal of such a vital role.
 
In closing, Foster said “Social Justice Aotearoa leads a protest to parliament in August to
present a petition opposing the removal of the commissioner and we reiterate that we will
not back down either."