Tony Ryall

National Justice Spokesman

7 July 2000

Government still doesn't get it

The Government still doesn't get the message that New Zealanders want a tougher stance on violent offenders, says National's Justice spokesman Tony Ryall.

"Today's announcement by Matt Robson and Phil Goff is the latest evidence this Government is taking a soft approach to crime.

"The Government's law and order policy is driven by the advice of the Treasury, not the advice of New Zealanders.

"When violent offenders are locked up they can't be raping, robbing or murdering New Zealanders. They should not be able to serve out their sentence in the comfort of their own home.

"The safety of New Zealanders must take priority over reducing prison numbers. And the right of the victim to see the offender adequately punished must be paramount," Mr Ryall said.

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