Media Statement

High priority for victims of crime

While the new Sentencing and Parole law introduced by the Clark/Anderton Coalition Government has ensured that dangerous offenders like Ese Junior Falealii cannot be eligible for early release, the needs of the victims must also be a high priority for the next government, according to John Wright MP, Waimakariri candidate for Jim Anderton’s Progressive Coalition.

“The victims of crime and violence need to be cared for, especially when the offenders are due for release from prison,” Mr Wright said. “Jim Anderton’s Progressive Coalition aims to ensure that restoration is provided to the victims of crime and that counselling and financial assistance is made available where appropriate.”

Drugs were behind the crime spree of Ese Junior Falealii, Mr Wright said. This highlights the potential damage of the Greens policy to de-criminalise the use of marijuana, and is yet another reason for voters to make sure they were not given the balance of power in parliament. “Just 3.6% - 4.4% of the party votes will return five or six MPs for Jim Anderton’s Progressive Coaltion, enough for a stable majority coalition government. Less than that means instability and another election next year,” John Wright said.

ENDS

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