Defence Forces Moved Into The Prisons
Wednesday, 5 September 2001, 10:13 am
Press Release: New Zealand Government
4th September 2001
Media Statement
"I have requested by
letter that the Minister of Defence step in and allow the
armed forces to assist with the running of our prisons
during the CANZ dispute," says Minister of Corrections Matt
Robson.
"Public safety must be the priority, that and the
safety of inmates and staff. As the Minister that is my
job," said Matt Robson.
Minister of State Services, Trevor
Mallard and Matt Robson announced the move tonight.
This
follows low-level industrial action by CANZ (Corrections
Associations of New Zealand) staff, since the beginning of
August.
"We're disappointed that it's come to this. We
had hoped to avoid this situation. Bringing in the defence
forces is a last resort, but we must have certainty and
security in our prisons," said the Ministers.
"We can't
have the defence forces and police on stand-by
indefinitely.
"Like health, police, defence and emergency
services, the running of prisons is an essential service.
That is why we have the powers to call in the defence forces
if necessary," the Ministers said.
The government
ministers will be working closely with officials to monitor
the situation on a daily basis.
Ends
© Scoop Media
Join Scoop Citizen
Scoop is a champion of independent journalism and open publishing - informing New Zealanders through straight-talking independent journalism, and publishing news from a wide range of sectors. Join us and support the publication of trustworthy, relevant, public interest news, freely accessible to all New Zealanders:
Become a member
Find out more
Covid and climate change have been changing the face of tourism. That’s why it seemed oddly premature last week for Tourism Minister Stuart to announce that New Zealand isn’t interested in mass tourism any more, or in attracting the sort of budget visitors who “travel around our country on $10 a day eating two-minute noodles.” Instead, New Zealand aims to focus its marketing efforts on attracting wealthy, big spending tourists. “In terms of targeting our marketing spin,” Nash said, “it is unashamedly going to be at … High-quality tourists.” Really? The comments have raised a few eyebrows overseas, and a few hackles here at home. Nash’s comments have also been something of a gift to an Opposition adept at portraying the Ardern government as a bunch of liberal elitists out of touch with ordinary people...
More>>