Tougher Bail Bill Sent To Select Committee

Those charged with serious crimes will have to prove they will not reoffend before getting bail under a bill sent select committee today

Attorney General Chris Finlayson speaking on behalf of Justice Minister Judith Collins said the Bail Amendment Bill would make it harder for those accused of serious offences to get bail.

Amongst the changes is those charged with some serious crimes will have to prove they are not a risk of offending before they are granted bail. This a reverse on the current burden of proof hurdle.

The presumption in favour of bail for defendants aged 17 to 19 years old will also no longer apply when the defendant has previously been sentenced to imprisonment and police will be given new powers to deal with defendants under 17 years old who breach their bail conditions.

Labour MP Phil Goff said Labour would support the bill to select committee and would carefully examine to see if it actually would achieve what the Government claimed it would and was not just political posturing.

Video from In The House

The bill was sent the Law and Order Committee by 105 to 15 with the Greens and Mana opposing.

The House rose at 6pm interrupting the second reading debate of the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill.

Earlier in the day MPs approved on a voice vote a motion to reappoint Dr Janice Claire Wright as the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.

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