Women deserve better advocacy

Jo Goodhew’s reluctance to advocate for New Zealand women was made plain in Parliament today as she dodged questions on the Government’s record, says Labour’s Women’s Affairs spokesperson Sue Moroney.

“Not only is she the first New Zealand Minister of Women’s Affairs to vote against extending paid parental leave, but she is ignoring UN criticism of her Government’s record and shirking responsibility for supporting the safety of women in New Zealand,” Sue Moroney said.

“Minister Goodhew told Parliament she had a goal of increasing the safety of women, but had taken no action to address a reduction in the services of Wellington Rape Crisis.

“Minister of Social Development, Paula Bennett then told Parliament that she wouldn’t do anything about it, because Wellington Rape Crisis hadn’t told her about it even though they informed her Ministry’s contract advisor about their situation last week.

“It is not unusual for National ministers to turn a blind eye to women’s issues, but suggesting the plight of organisations like Rape Crisis is ‘news’ is a stretch.

“How can Jo Goodhew stand by and let this happen when she claims to be improving the safety of women?

“The funding constraints of these front line services is no secret.

“What we saw today were simply more excuses. New Zealand women deserve stronger advocacy from their Minister,” Sue Moroney said.