Monday, 27 September 2004

Alexander: Government on right track on inmate claims

“The Labour Government is right to consider my proposal to force criminals to take complaints through internal prison procedures rather than to court for cash,” says United Future law & order spokesman Marc Alexander.

“While Corrections staff should be held accountable for their treatment of inmates, there can never be an argument in favour of allowing criminals to profit from their choice to commit crime by receiving cash payouts, aided and abetted by eager lawyers using taxpayer-funded legal aid to win more of taxpayer monies.

“While I am obviously pleased that Labour has recognised the need to move quickly, why have they not taken my further suggestion of freezing all compensation until legislation can be drawn up to deal with it?

“Such a freeze can and should be retrospective so that the $300,000 already awarded and the possibility of a further $3 million won’t get into the hands of any offenders,” he says.

ENDS

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