Government Must Protect From Serious, Violent Offenders

The Government’s reluctance to adequately address the growing crisis in our prison capacity and their rejection of ACT New Zealand’s Truth in Sentencing Bill is further fuelling the growing anger and frustration amongst the 92% of New Zealanders who want serious, violent offenders kept behind bars.

ACT Deputy Leader Hon Ken Shirley today said that too often recidivists with appalling records of rape and murder are being released into society where time and time again gruesome offences are committed by them, often within weeks of their release.

“The Minister of Justice Phil Goff rejects Truth in Sentencing because of the cost and lack of prison capacity while the Minister for Corrections Matt Robson has throughout his Parliamentary career voted against any attempts for stiffer penalties,” he said.

“Matt Robson voted against the Home Invasion Bill, against tougher measures on gangs (Harassment and Criminal Associations Bill). He voted against the evidence and witness anonymity legislation and is on record as opposing an extension to DNA testing. He recently suggested that violent offenders and rapists should serve home detention,” he said.

“New Zealanders are outraged by the growing regularity of violent, repeat offenders being let out of prison to commit horrific crimes on innocent, law abiding New Zealanders. The Government is abrogating one of its most basic responsibilities to protect law abiding citizens from such people,” said Ken Shirley.

ENDS

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