Prisoner Compensation Restrictions Made Permanent

A bill making permanent restrictions on the awarding of compensation to prisoners has passed into law.

Justice Minister Judith Collins said the bill would ensure a ban would stay in place on prisoners receiving compensation for wrongful treatment without first paying off any legal aid debt or compensation due to victims.

The current ban is due to expire and the current bill would make it permanent.

Andrew Little said Labour did not like the bill, but would support it.

The bill passed by 101 to 18 with the Greens, Maori Party, Brendon Horan and Mana opposing.

MPs returned to the interrupted first reading debate of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill

Last night Labour Minister Simon Bridges said the bill would reduce burdensome compliance costs for businesses.

The Government was intent on retaining a framework for collective bargaining, but there should be choice and a balanced playing field.

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Labour’s Darien Fenton showed the Government had failed to boost the economy and was now trying to attack the wages of workers.

Earlier in the day the budget debate adjourned just before 5.30.

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