Family Violence Bill, Family Violence (Amendments) Bill

Thank you, Madam Assistant Speaker. Today would otherwise be yet another ordinary extended sitting day, but today is special. Today is extraordinary. Earlier this morning, Prime Minister the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern delivered her speech at the second reading of the Child Poverty Reduction Bill. Child poverty reduction is at the very heart of this coalition Government, and in a similar vein we are having this third reading debate on the Family Violence Bill and Family Violence (Amendments) Bill—two bills that are designed to prevent and eliminate family violence.

The two bills were divided from the Family and Whānau Violence Legislation Bill through a Supplementary Order Paper at the committee of the whole House stage. Preventing and eliminating family violence is one of the greatest opportunities to improve the well-being of New Zealanders. Isn’t it shocking that one in three New Zealand women experience physical violence from a partner in their life, and more than a quarter of New Zealand children have witnessed family violence.

Debate interrupted.

The House adjourned at 6 p.m.