Alexander celebrates Victims’ Rights Act

United Future MP Marc Alexander and victims’ rights advocate Gray Crawford at a media launch in Christchurch today celebrated the first day of the Victim's Rights Act.

United Future Leader Peter Dunne expressed his delight that one of the cornerstones of our confidence and supply agreement with the Labour Government has come to fruition with the advance of a strong Victim's Rights package.

Both Mr Alexander and Mr Gray expressed satisfaction that victims were once again the legislative focus of the criminal justice system.

" For far too long we have put the interests of the offender to the forefront relegating the legitimate needs of victims and their families as a secondary concern. This legislation is a powerful first step to redress that imbalance," said Mr Alexander.

" What sets this Act apart, " he continued," is that a watchdog committee comprised of the Hon. Peter Dunne, Hon. Phil Goff, Marc Alexander and Tim Barnett, will ensure that the principles and rights implied by the Act are actually delivered to victims. It is the first time the architects of legislation will take a participatory role to its implementation. This is not only good legislation delivered well but with a built in accountability."

© Scoop Media