A rare unanimous vote

Paula Bennett announced:

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett was delighted to get unanimous support from Parliament for the Vulnerable Children Bill at first reading.

“This legislation is part of the wider Children’s Action Plan, with more than 30 initiatives to prevent child abuse and improve the lives of our most vulnerable children,” says Mrs Bennett.

“I’ve deliberately kept politics out of this and I’m delighted Opposition parties have found a way to support this work in exactly the same vein.”

This cross-party support is hugely significant for communities and individuals across New Zealand who’ve passionately adopted the Children’s Action Plan.

“It’s absolutely fair that parties have supported this legislation to Select Committee but reserve the right to debate and discuss the detail further before committing to the next step, I welcome that debate.”

“We are making major changes affecting thousands of New Zealanders.”

It is relatively rare for a major Government bill to get unanimous support. Those sort of votes tend to be around minor uncontroversial legislation.

But it is a heartening sign that all parties and MPs supported this law at first reading, as the status quo is manifestly unacceptable. That doesn’t mean every measure in the proposed law is going to end up supported, but I think the initial unanimous vote is a great sign that Parliament is determined to make some changes.