Newsletter promoting anti-smacking law angers lobby group

Lobby group Family First is furious about a taxpayer-funded newsletter promoting the so-called anti-smacking law.

The Families Commission is promoting the law in a two-page spread in the latest Family Voice magazine, which is paid for by the government.

Family First national director Bob McCoskrie says it makes a complete sham of claims by the government that the referendum will not make any difference.

He says the Families Commission should be taking a neutral stance on the issue and instead be examining why so many people are opposed to the law change.

Mr McCoskrie says it is not fair that the taxpayer has funded the article when Family First is limited to a $50,000 budget to promote its "no-vote" campaign.

He adds that his group can raise that $50,000 only through donations.

- NEWSTALK ZB