Friday 30th Jun 2000
Ken Shirley
Media Release -- Justice

The announcement by the Police Minister that legislation to allow DNA testing of burglary suspects will be introduced by the end of the year is a positive initiative to help to solve property crimes, ACT Police spokesman Hon Ken Shirley said today.

Police Minister George Hawkins made the announcement yesterday at the law and order select committee.

“I wish Mr Hawkins success in pushing this legislation through Parliament. It is clear that DNA testing is a revolutionary tool for fighting crime just as fingerprinting was when it was introduced,” he said.

“However, I expect Mr Hawkins will face some difficulty from his Cabinet colleague Mr Robson who has publicly stated he is opposed to extending DNA testing to lesser offences. In fact, Mr Robson’s voting history on getting tough on crime shows he has voted against every measure to get tough on criminals or improve personal security for victims or witnesses,” said Ken Shirley.

“The Police should not be denied the use of new technology to combat crime. While his own Cabinet colleague may not support him, the Police Minister can look forward to ACT’s support on this issue,” said Hon Ken Shirley.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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