Andrew Bayly: Port Waikato MP on his member's bill aiming to crack down on unreported child abuse

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge · Jul 23, 2026 · 2m · transcript

The architect of a member's bill aiming to crack down on unreported child abuse is confident it will receive widespread support.

The bill, which would make it mandatory for people to report known or suspected child abuse to police, has been drawn from the biscuit tin.

Port Waikato MP Andrew Bayly says the current laws hinder the ability of police to effectively investigate child harm cases.

He told Ryan Bridge there are some issues around what exactly "suspected child abuse" means.

Bayly says the definition will be fine-tuned in the select committee phase, but notes similar legislation has…