Crime, and particularly violent offending, is of great concern to New Zealanders. We no longer feel safe in our homes or on the streets. The balance of the justice system appears to be in favour of criminals; victims are forgotten and taxpayers foot the bill. ACT understands that crime is a complex issue. Over 90% of prison inmates have been on an unemployment benefit, or some other benefit, when they went to prison. We must improve economic opportunities and address incentives within the welfare system if crime is to be reduced.

ACT is prepared to get tough with criminals: We put into law mandatory 13 minimum sentences for home invasion where a murder is committed.

Only ACT proposes to target the causes of criminal behaviour as part of an integrated approach in tackling crime so that it does not pay: work does.

ACT's goals are

To return the justice system to its proper purpose of protecting people and their property.

To reduce crime so everyone can feel much safer on the streets and in their own homes

ACT believes

The government's failure to address the causes of crime has made our streets and homes unsafe for us all

We need an integrated approach to crime. Common sense education, social welfare, and economic policies can improve opportunities for everyone so that crime does not pay, work does

The Crown must appeal when judges pass lenient sentences

ACT will

Ensure prisoners serve at least 80% of their sentences; the Prebble bill is the only legislation to keep criminals in prison

Toughen sentencing, bail and parole conditions

Ensure better compensation and support for victims of crime

Cap the amount spent on legal aid and tighten its administration

Extend prison employment schemes on proper business lines to help rehabilitate inmates

Support an overhaul of the court system to guarantee fairer access to justice for all

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>