ACT Launches Zero Tolerance For Crime Election Campaign

Thursday 2 May 2002
ACT Leader Richard Prebble will tonight begin ACT's election campaign with a public meeting calling for Zero Tolerance for Crime at a public meeting at the ASB Bank Netball complex in Northcote on Auckland's North Shore.

ACT will be holding public election rallies calling for zero tolerance all over New Zealand, including two in Auckland and one in Christchurch this week.

"ACT believes Labour is planning an early election before higher interest rates, higher inflation and lower commodity prices start to bite," said Mr Prebble.

"I believe rising violent crime will be the surprise election issue. Last election 92% of us voted for a referendum for tougher sentences for violent crime. Under Clause 240 of the Parole and Sentencing Bill the Labour government will be halving the sentence most violent criminals serve.

"Violent crime has increased 14.9% since the election and I predict as violent criminals are let out of jail early, New Zealand will see a wave of increased crime.

"ACT has positive practical solutions to violent crime. First, all criminals should serve the full court imposed sentence - Truth-in-Sentencing."

"Second, ACT wants to see the New York approach to law enforcement - Zero Tolerance for Crime. Violent crime has been increasing for 20 years under the soft policies of both old parties, treating the offender as a victim!

"New York's approach of holding offenders, including those first offenders who commit minor street crime such as tagging and vandalism accountable, does work.

"ACT's fresh idea is to bring back an old value, personal accountability into our justice system. Over 70 per cent of the electorate does not agree with how Parliament has been handling law and justice issues.

"Now in New Zealand you are more likely to be the victim of a violent crime than in America. The public has had enough. We can fight back. Give ACT your list vote for Zero Tolerance for Crime," Richard Prebble said.

Ends

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