Independent views By Brendan Horan

Be warned of the Government's latest amendment bill – one that is intended to manipulate government processes for political gain.

The Family Commissions Amendment Bill, currently before the house, is an example of a Government intent on eradication of threats to political process and yet another example of this National Government's hidden agendas.

The Family Commission is an independent body established to advocate for, protect and support New Zealand families. It was never established to act as a government agency, to advocate for and administer government policy.

As an independent body, its primary function has been to protect the needs of the family, to research, critique, monitor and evaluate programmes and policies that may impact adversely on family life across various government agencies; and to promote family values and well being.

This Government has its sights firmly focused on destroying the foundation of the commission by annihilating its independence and its ability to advocate against potential negative impacts to family life in New Zealand.

The process has already started with a management restructure and the appointment of new commissioners. The new commissioners are personnel who have, since the commission's inception, advocated against the commission's purpose, role and function. Additionally, the Government has re-housed the commission, integrating it into the structure of the Ministry of Social Services.

Minister Paula Bennett appointed a new chief commissioner from her own ministerial staff, who is a close National Party confidant. The new chief has cleared out the existing senior staff and is readying to abandon flagship programmes – in particular, the White Ribbon campaign.

Independent you say Minister? Then why does the new bill go further to explicitly state functions that the restructured commission must now undertake on behalf of the National Government.

This Government is seeking to neutralise the ability of the commission, to provide free and frank independent advice for, and to protect, New Zealand families. They call it streamlining the commission's core activities. Be aware all New Zealanders that this is only one of a number of similar National Party reforms and manipulations of accepted, well- intended and proven processes.

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