United Future accused of 'selling out' out over families

New Zealand First MP Dail Jones has accused United Future of selling out to Labour over its election policy regarding the establishment of the Commission for the Family.

Mr Jones said the Families Commission announced yesterday did not appear to be intended to address United Future's pledge:

* To establish a Commission for the Family

* To promote the status of families and the role of parents.

* To ensure all policy development reflects the fundamental needs of families and their children.

* To provide a family mediation service to support, promote and develop the provision of marriage and relationship counselling services.

* To facilitate family support and parental education classes.

* To improve co-ordination of government departments.

Mr Jones said the Government's legislation did not even define a family.

"United Future stood at the last election as the party that supported Christian family values.

"The Bill introduced by the Government allows homosexual and lesbian relationships to flourish. It also supports 'gang type' family membership.

It is clear that United Future Party has sold out to Labour's social extremists and if the party had any political courage, it would withdraw supply from the Budget until the legislation was made acceptable."

Mr Jones said the Government Bill failed to promote the family or family values and he had already prepared a Commission for the Family Bill which set out the general functions and powers of the Commission.

"None of these powers appear to be included in the Labour Party's Bill and one wonders what the role of the Families Commission would be, bearing in mind that it appears to have no powers and no definition." he said.