ACT Party Press Conference on Law and Order

Tuesday 29 Jan 2002 Richard Prebble Press Releases -- Justice, Law & Order

The ACT Party is holding a press conference on Thursday to outline the party's response to the government's Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill.

ACT leader Richard Prebble, deputy-leader Ken Shirley and MPs Stephen Franks and Muriel Newman will each address issues raised by the Bill and explain ACT's position on crime, law and order, policing and the links between welfare and crime.

"The Sentencing and Parole Reform bill is a major plank in the government's policy. The Bill is 170 pages long and sets out for the first time a complete statutory code that judges must follow in sentencing," Mr Prebble said.

"The government claims the Bill is a response to Norm Withers' referendum on tougher sentences for violent offenders.

"During the summer holidays, ACT MPs have made a careful study of the Bill and researched the government's claims. The press statements we will release on Thursday will outline ACT's response to the Bill.

"The select committee has now heard submissions on the Bill and MPs on the committee are expected to vote on it in the next few months. The Bill will then be reported to Parliament and will dominate the Parliamentary agenda prior to the Budget.

"Given that 92 percent of New Zealanders voted for Norm Withers' referendum, the Bill will inevitably become a major election issue," Mr Prebble said.

PRESS CONFERENCE

WHEN: Thursday, January 31 at 11am

WHERE: ACT Caucus Room, 10^th floor, Bowen House.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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