Thursday, 25 August 2005

Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

Justice policy: early intervention and good jobs bring crime rate down

The lower crime rates announced today are to be celebrated - but work must continue to link jobs, early intervention and anti-drug and alcohol work, Matt Robson, Progressive party deputy leader said when releasing the party's justice policy in Auckland today.

"One of the most effective ways to keep our citizens away from crime is to ensure that early intervention policies work in tandem with economic policy to provide jobs and healthy communities," he said.

"Over a thirty year time period it is clear to see that the crime rate has mirrored the unemployment rate (see graph on next page from the Parliamentary library). That is why the Progressive Party has a strong early intervention policy based on the best evidence, matched with a strong economic development policy," Matt Robson said.

"As to the problem of getting the remaining unemployed into work - a section of those people are struggling with drug and alcohol problems. Progressive is campaigning to raise the drinking age to 20, and to increase work on the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse to address this problem.

"Early intervention work, as promoted by my About Time report (which is now being partially implemented by government), is an essential part of building safer communities, keeping children and young people away from crime, drug and alcohol abuse.

We are backing up our justice policy with forward thinking policies to get people into work, which we aim to implement in the next coalition government," Matt Robson said.

ENDS

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