The value of parenting has again been underscored. This time through a United Nations Report expressing concerns about the impact of childcare centres. More on this at www.roger-ellis.blogspot.comParents Choice was formed in early 2008 to campaign for income splitting for tax purposes and other reforms which would provide greater recognition of the value of parenting. Ten months, several media interviews, several blogposts and many letters to MPs later we have succeeded in bringing the idea of income splitting to the fore. Several articles have subsequently appeared in the mainstream press about income splitting.
The election result did not show significant support for the one party promoting income splitting - United Future. However, the poor election result may be due to factors other than one of its policies. For example, the two large parties clearly drew more support from the smaller parties as voters tried to express their preferences regarding a centre-left government or a centre-right one. Despite the low vote for United Future the incoming government has agreed with United Future to support the Introduction of a new Bill into Parliament for income splitting. While this falls short of guaranteeing income splitting it does at least get a draft law into Parliament and will get it to the Select Committee stage so that the public can have its say. This is a significant step in the right direction and represents the best hope yet of securing income splitting here in New Zealand.
Parents Choice 08 also gave renewed hope to parents around the country who understand the importance of the parent-child relationship and the need for it to be valued by society. Indeed many hundreds of these parents have written to express their support for the campaign this year. Parents Choice appreciated that feedback and wants to take this opportunity to thank you for your support during this year and to wish you and your families/whanau a Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2009.
1 comment:
Well said. The way elections work, and party politics, choosing a party to govern does not mean endorsement of every single idea they have but just some of them, and not electing a party does not mean rejection of every idea they have. Maybe in some fairer world we'd have a vote that let people choose on every single issue but this would be a long ballot and some might feel it inappropriate. However in my country when we were considering a massive tax change to go from individual taxation to pension splitting, a poll on that one issue resulted in one of the highest public endorsement rates in history - over 80%. I am glad your government is looking at income splitting as an idea in itself because it is an eminently fair way to ensure people are taxed based on their realities.If they share income, their taxes should acknowledge that salary is spread over more than one person. To tax them as if they are all single and living alone is not in touch with their reality
I also do think that in early days the sometimes illiterate population maybe had to vote only by placing an X next to a name but since by grade 3 we can handle multiple choice questions of 50 or more at a sitting, it is quite possible we could just handle a ballot that asked us yes or not to a few specific issues.
Good work on this issue and happy holidays back at you
Beverley Smith, Canada
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