Rt Hon Winston Peters, Leader, New Zealand First
2 November 2011

NZ First’s New Law and Order Initiatives

New Zealand First has released law and order initiatives that include shorter, sharper prison sentences, the end of concurrent sentences for rape and murder and hard labour for serious white collar crime.

Rt Hon Winston Peters has told a public meeting in Pukekohe that too many prisoners are repeat offenders and shorter, tougher sentences with hard labour would make prison a harder lifestyle option.

“We are going to give prisoners an incentive to leave jail and make their way in the world. Although the term of imprisonment is shorter, the offender is required to work.

“They will undergo extensive community based rehabilitation programmes and compulsory supervision upon release.“

Serious violent offenders and those convicted of serious drug offences would not be considered for shorter sharper sentences.

Mr. Peters called for an end to concurrent sentencing for rape and murder charges.

“Judges are imposing sentences that might total 12 years but the offender is out within five because several prison sentences are served at the same time.

“Meanwhile the victim lives with the crime for a lifetime.”

New Zealand First also wants a tougher line taken with finance company directors responsible for losing hundreds of millions of dollars of peoples’ savings.

“We want them to join the work gangs with the repeat offenders instead of living a lavish lifestyle on home detention in their lavish mansions.

“Their victims suffer a lot of hardship and it’s time they shed some sweat on the end of a shovel,” says Mr. Peters.

ENDS

© Scoop Media