Adams Paul: Future Directions (Working for Families) Bill — Second Reading Instruction to Committee In Committee Procedure 
Adams Paul: Future Directions (Working for Families) Bill — Second Reading Instruction to Committee In Committee Procedure 
[Volume:617;Page:13510] 
PAUL ADAMS (United Future) 
: 
 I rise on behalf of United Future to speak on Part 2. I think that the title of the bill—“Future Directions (Working for Families)”—is an excellent one. United Future will be supporting the bill and I am very pleased because although we have been in Parliament for only 2 years all of a sudden families are at the forefront in this year’s Budget. When I looked at the Budget I rated it and gave it 5 out 10; so I guess that shows where I am on it—in the centre. 
This package for families has funding allocated to it in the Budget for its implementation. It is based on Labour’s ideology of wealth distribution but I personally do not believe that is the best way of handling it. In listening to the various aspects of the debate on Part 2 which deals with taxation matters I heard Mr Peter Brown encouraging United Future members to support earlier implementation dates. I personally do not support that because although I am pleased that the Budget takes a good look at families in New Zealand and very pleased that it recognises that those who are bringing up children face a tremendous challenge at present I do not disagree with Mr Peter Brown’s claim that the help is needed right now. Some have said that perhaps the commencement dates in the bill are related to the next election. If that is the case then I welcome that. I am pleased that the Budget allocates funding for future dates and puts consideration of families at the forefront. I believe there will be a time in the future when whoever is in Government will look at how these requirements for families can be implemented. 
I personally believe that the correct way to help families is through the taxation system. I know that in respect of the current rate we consider only whether a person is in the category of a single-parent family or in the category of a couple living together. I suggest that it is quite easy in terms of the taxation system to distinguish whether a family comprises a couple with one child two children or three or four children and adjust the taxation system accordingly so that the family gets the rebate—something that most members would agree those families need and deserve. 
I think there can be a problem with wealth redistribution in that it is very easy to kill a dream. We must try to bring in legislation that shows people the importance of achieving. It does not matter where their place is in society as long as we give them an incentive to better themselves. It is important that people are encouraged to have a dream. If I may I will give an illustration from motor racing. I was a young man in a family that was against motor sport yet I had a dream of becoming a champion. Against all the odds I began to walk that path. It involved sacrifice but I achieved my dream. When we are talking about families— 
Hon Richard Prebble 
: Which clause talks about motor racing? 
PAUL ADAMS 
: That was an illustration. There is nothing wrong with being a dreamer. I believe that if we make people reliant on a system of Government handouts even though well-intentioned—and I commend the intention—we can destroy their ability to dream and to achieve. Therefore United Future supports the intention of this bill. 
I thank the Committee for the opportunity to come at this matter from a personal aspect. I believe that the Future Directions (Working for Families) Bill takes us in the right direction. It is of the utmost importance. I hope that whoever is in Government continues in that way over the years that lie ahead.