Darroch Ball MP

Spokesperson for Social Development
30 NOVEMBER 2015

Minister Deaf to Judge’s Alarm Bells

A judge has spoken out about the appalling state of youth justice facilities yet the government still fails to act, says New Zealand First.

Judge Robert Murfitt said he was forced to put a 15-year-old in a police cell because of the ‘nationwide shortage’ of youth beds and the ‘contagious environment’ in some youth residences.

“Minister of Social Development Anne Tolley is deaf to Judge Murfitt’s warning yet he deliberately spoke out because he is concerned,” says New Zealand First Social Development Spokesperson Darroch Ball.

“He knows what he is talking about. He’s dealing with it daily.

“The Minister is acting as if she knows better.

“Both the former Children’s Commissioner and Paula Rebstock’s expert panel in charge of overhauling Child, Youth and Family have also criticised youth justice facilities.

“Youth Justice Residences across New Zealand are at capacity, reflecting increasing crime. They have proven to be ineffective and dangerous, with escapes, assaults and daily security breaches.

“Last year New Zealand First reported that Korowai Maanaki youth facility in South Auckland had 680 security breaches ranging from minor incidences to serious assaults on staff and disturbances.

“This latest case of a 15 year old being held in isolation in police cells is not unique – it is just another symptom highlighting the chronic failures of the system,” says Mr Ball.

ENDS

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