There are concerns removing the right to silence won't be a quick fix for child abuse cases

It follows the brutal assault of a four year old in Flaxmere last month, who's still in Starship Hospital - his family won't talk to police.

Opposition leader Simon Bridges says his party would criminalise non-disclosure of information - if he wins the election.

Justice Minister Andrew Little says the right can be revoked with reasonable suspicion of guilt.

He says in this situation, police don't have enough information to form suspicions on who is responsible.