Families Commissioner on a slippery slope

The Chief Families Commissioner unwisely entered into a political debate and should not now try to wiggle out of it, Labour’s Associate Social Development spokesperson and former Chief Commissioner Rajen Prasad says.

“Carl Davidson has taken it upon himself to publically comment on Sue Moroney’s paid parental leave proposal and the economics around it.

“To now suggest that those comments were misinterpreted is mischievous,” Rajen Prasad said.

“Mr Davidson has compromised the Commission, its independence, and its position on paid parental leave.  No amount of back pedalling now can change that perception.

“It is the Commission’s role to provide advice on what will make families more resilient and successful and what policy directions will achieve this.

“There is overwhelming consensus on the value of paid parent leave.  The Commissioner needed to base his advice on the merits of the case and not on what he believes the country can afford. That is what Treasury is for.

“The Commissioner’s credibility has been damaged and he must seriously consider his position.

“His job is to advocate for all New Zealand families and to listen to the voices of those families and base decisions and recommendations on good science.”