Marc My Words.
From Marc Alexander MP. 12 December 2003
United Future NZ-Christchurch Supplement

Let's follow an Aussie example

As far back as 30 October Peter Dunne and I launched an initiative to push for legislation that reverses the onus of proof onto gangs to prove that assets they possess have been lawfully obtained.

In light of the admission by Coral Burrow's killer that his rage was, at least in part, fuelled by a night of 'P', only sharpens our determination to go after the gangs who supply and profit from miseries inflicted by this drug.

* The last four years have seen Police 'busts' of 'P' laboratories rise by 2840 per cent

* From 2002 to 2003 the number of calls to the National Alcohol and Drug Helpline jumped by 3000 per cent.

* Women's Refuges have been overflowing as a result of 'P'-fuelled domestic violence.

* Gangs are putting aside their differences to co-operate because of the huge financial gains from 'P' (up to 6000 times the cost of the raw ingredients).

* Gangs are responsible for about 95 per cent of the 'P' found in this country.

If we are serious about ridding our country of the scourge of 'P' then we must stand together to make a determined decision to prevent the gangs from 'abuse' of the law to their advantage. As is often the case, we bend over backwards to give offenders every possible benefit at the expense of the honest law-abiding Kiwis who are being turned into victimisation statistics daily.

We must not be cowed by these criminal organisations, but rather, stand up to them and take from them the whole point of their misery-peddling industry; their ill-gotten assets.

United Future has proposed a Criminal Organisation and Gang Property Confiscation initiative designed to strip these thugs of the very means by which they perpetuate their illegal activities. Western Australia has had such legislation with great success. Nearly $40 million has been confiscated in the last two years and one gang has been forced to remove themselves from the State completely!

We can follow the example of Western Australia.

If it is true that the strength of our nation lies in the homes of our people then we must resolve to reclaim the safety of our communities, our families and our streets.

If we do nothing, we will see our own inaction reflected in the tears of the next victim.

ENDS

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