14 December 2004

Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

Appointment of Barry Matthews to head Corrections

Progressive MP Matt Robson welcomes the news that Barry Matthews, former New Zealand Deputy Commissioner of Police, is to head the Department of Corrections.

“Barry Matthews has been a policeman since 1965. Now he has the chance to make a difference by turning offenders away from crime,” said Matt Robson.

“When he reports for duty, Mr Matthews will find the blueprint for action already written. It is the About Time report I published as Minister of Corrections in May 2001

“The Labour-Progressive government is committed to keeping the worst offenders out of circulation. In the short term, imprisonment is necessary to prevent serious and recidivist offenders from continuing to commit crime. That, along with increased resources, new technology, and the impact of a tougher approach to crime, means the prison muster is increasing.

"The long-term answer to reducing both crime rates and the prison muster, however, lies in the government's efforts to tackle the causes of crime as outlined in my About Time report.

The early intervention programme, along with rehabilitation work includes for example: early intervention programmes to assist children in dysfunctional families, preventive education and health programmes dealing with issues such as truancy, poor educational achievement, and drug and alcohol abuse, restorative justice, the tough approach requiring offenders to face up to their actions, rehabilitation and reintegration to reduce re-offending, effective programmes to reduce re-offending by youth and other offenders.

“Barry Matthews has the chance to make a difference by utilising my About Time report and Progressive wishes him well,” said Matt Robson.

ENDS

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