We are heading to Christmas with the passing of the Child Poverty Reduction Act. The big news is that it was supported by all political parties, so it should give stability for continuing attention to reducing child poverty regardless of who is in power. The Act also sets measures for reporting so we can track progress and better hold future governments to account.

A Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy is also underway. It has a wide and ambitious scope – focussing on areas such as, nature and safety, freedom from racism, affordable quality housing, access to services , and all children having equal chances at school, the ‘first 1000 days ‘, pregnancy and parenting, disability, and mental health supports.

The Methodist Public Issues Network will contribute to the consultation on implementation of the Strategy. More information available from the Public Issues Network.