Sentencing Bill Progress Despite Concerns

Wednesday, 8 February 2012, 8:17 pm
Article: ParliamentToday.co.nz

The Sentencing (Aggravating Factors) Amendment Bill was debated after Maiden Speeches from New Zealand First MPs and the dinner break.

As in the past National MPs backed the bill saying it would ensure that judges would make it an aggravating factor for an assault charge if it was committed on a police officer or prison guard.

Labour MPs said they would vote for the bill as was a measure that could do little harm, but would make no difference at all and was simply gesture politics.

The bill passed its second reading on a voice vote and was set down for its committee stage.

MPs began the first reading debate of the Privacy (Information Sharing) Bill.

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