Don Brash MP National Party Leader

13 September 2004

Labour called to support tough line on inmate compo

National Party Leader Don Brash is offering to give Labour his support for legislation that would prevent convicted criminals from collecting significant taxpayer compensation.

"Like most New Zealanders, I am appalled that serious violent offenders are taking advantage of this PC nonsense."

Dr Brash is referring to recent awards to convicted criminals for 'hurt feelings' and alleged human rights abuses.

"Today, I am urging Helen Clark to put legislation before the House this week to stop this foolishness.

"If that means retrospective legislation, then I think the circumstances of these cases are so serious as to warrant it.

"National supports the Government's decision to appeal the compensation awards, but as every day passes the door is left open to more of these spurious claims.

"Parliament must show leadership on this issue and bring a swift end to the ongoing waste of taxpayer money. We should be acting to protect victims from being retraumatised by a firm response to these compensatory claims.

"I find it abhorrent that a man who slit his victim's throat from ear to ear and then tried to blame someone else for the murder has the audacity to claim compensation.

"This comes after the complete madness of the Human Rights Commission awarding a rapist-murderer money for his hurt feelings.

"I am determined to do what I can to ensure convicted criminals do not benefit financially from their crime, or from their time in prison.

"It's an insult to their victims, and it's an insult to commonsense. National stands with victims and their families on this," says Dr Brash.

ENDS