National wants to put family assistance in pay-packet

By AUDREY YOUNG

National wants to simplify a raft of family assistance measures and pay it to income-earners in their wage packets.

This is one of the proposals in a discussion paper issued yesterday on child-related policies.

The proposal would not add to employers' compliance costs, social services spokesman Bob Simcock said.

It could be achieved by adding to the tax codes.

Family assistance is a mix of four policies providing cash and tax relief for low and middle-income families.

A family with three children should be able to earn up to $30,000 without paying tax.

National says the package is too complicated and the take-up rate too low.

Other proposals include:

Expanding early intervention and home visitation programmes;

Improving training and pay for foster parents;

Finding a permanent placement within two years for children under the care of the Child Youth and Family Service;

Amending section 59 of the Crimes Act which allows parents to use "reasonable force" in disciplining their children.

Mr Simcock has drafted a private member's bill to amend Section 59, but it has not been selected for debate.

His proposal is to amend the act "to make it clear that any physical punishment of a child which leaves bruising, swelling or other harm to the child is assault".