Media Statement
For immediate release
Wednesday, 13 July 2005

Alexander: Prison a victim of Labour's ideological madness

The handing back this week of Auckland Remand Prison from private to State management is a timely reminder to voters of Labour's political correctness gone mad, United Future's law and order spokesman Marc Alexander said today.

"This prison set the standard for Corrections in New Zealand in terms of efficiency and superb management. It's only fault, by the Government's standards, was that it didn't fit with its narrow ideology. It was private. It should have been a State body, they said.

"Yet again we have Labour's 'well, it works in practice, but it doesn't fit our theory' approach to public policy. It is absolutely disgraceful," Mr Alexander said.

"It's a timely reminder to voters of what drives Labour and how it is hostage to archaic philosophies that have no place in a country where common sense should be at the heart of public policy.

"People are not interested in slavish adherence to old ideology that destroys things that work well.

"This was the only prison to have in place drug, alcohol and employment programs that actually did some good. We now move back to State mediocrity, and often failure, because that will make Labour more comfortable.

"This is total rubbish," Mr Alexander said.

He said United Future was committed to returning Auckland Central Remand Prison back into the most efficient and effective management system after the election.

"And the new prisons coming on line over the next few years should also, of course, be tended out to those who will do the best and most efficient job."

Ends.

© Scoop Media