New Families Commission head named

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Sociologist Carl Davidson has been appointed Chief Families Commissioner.

Announcing the appointment today, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said Mr Davidson was a recognised leader in the field of social research, practice and theory. His work was widely published and he was committed in particular to family issues.

Mr Davidson said he considered the job the most exciting one in social research in the public sector.

"I look forward to taking the Families Commission on a journey into being a leading centre of families research of relevance to families," he said.

The Families Commission was established as a Crown agency after the 2002 election as part of a deal between Labour and UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne.

National's response to it was lukewarm but the party committed to keeping it going when it came to power in 2008.

Ms Bennett said today the Government was continually assessing the commission's make-up and direction.

"We are just saying have we got the right number of commissioners and what sort of hours are they doing, and are they doing it in the right way. So I will be asking Carl to have a look at that as he moves into the chief commissioner role."

Mr Davidson takes over from acting chief commissioner Bruce Pilbrow, who stepped in following the resignation in March of Jan Pryor.

- NZPA