Victims First say Conservatives

The Conservative Party released their Law and Order policy today.

Not surprisingly, the policy takes a tough line on crime, and focuses on the majority of prisoners working in self-sufficient prison farms.

There is also an emphasis on reparation to victims, and early intervention to prevent young offenders progressing to more serious crimes.

Their first policy objective states the law must “…primarily be about protecting the rights of citizens, and less about the rights of criminals.”

Conservative Party Leader Colin Craig says “some politicians are busy trying to balance the rights of victims, and the rights of offenders. But justice is not about balancing rights. It’s about right and wrong.”

Colin Craig spoke at last weekend’s Sensible Sentencing Trust Conference, where he was very well received. He drew attention to the Norm Withers referendum in which 93% of New Zealand voters wanted tougher sentences, and criminals working.

“As usual the people were right,” Colin says.

Mr Craig is critical of the New Zealand First Law and Order policy released yesterday.

“The New Zealand First proposal of shorter sentences will put dangerous offenders back on the streets. This puts the public at risk, which is unacceptable. Many of the worst crimes are already committed by criminals that are let out too soon” he says.

While acknowledging that self-sufficient prison farms are in part a cost cutting measure, Mr Craig points out that working is good for people, and prisoners are no exception.

“If it’s good enough for the ordinary kiwi to get up and go to work every day, it’s good enough for prisoners too” he says.

The full Conservative Law and Order Policy is available on their website www.conservativeparty.org.nz

ENDS

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