Is pro-beating lobby writing National’s policy?

The National Party needs to explain to New Zealanders exactly where it stands on child discipline and who is writing its policy, the Green Party says.

“The National Party stepped in at the 11th hour to ensure that the Crimes (Substituted section 59) Amendment Act passed into legislation last year. But just this morning child discipline campaigner Bob McCoskrie was reported as saying that National supports amending the legislation,” Sue Bradford says.

“Is this true John? Is National really planning to go into an election campaigning to re-legalise the hitting of children? Is Bob McCoskrie writing National Party policy?

“The statement, on Morning Report this morning seems to confirm a statement from MP Judith Collins, a self-professed proud smacker, who indicated at a public meeting last year that there was a possibility that National would change the law back if they became government after this year’s election.

“I cannot help but wonder whether this is the real reason Katherine Rich resigned. Katherine endured much criticism from her colleagues because of her support for my bill and it would be heartbreaking for her to see National do a complete about turn on this.

“John Key needs to be honest with New Zealanders and tell them exactly what is going and why Bob McCoskrie is privy to National’s policy process.”