15 September 2008

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is - Mark

New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark has challenged Labour and National to support his legislation outlawing gangs.

This follows suggestions from both Phil Goff and John Key that they intend getting tough on gangs, although both National and Labour have done little about the problem since the 1970’s.

“New Zealand First has been calling loud and clear for many years about the need for gangs to be outlawed and until now, with an election in sight, our calls have been ignored,” said Mr Mark.

“We welcome their advocacy of what has long been a core New Zealand First policy but remain doubtful that these statements are anything more than a well timed public relations exercise designed to make them look tough but lacking in any real conviction.

“We have been closely looking into the anti-gang legislation in South Australia and in other jurisdictions and have developed legislation for use in this country outlawing gangs and toughening up consorting laws.

“We will be tabling our bill in the House next Tuesday and seeking leave to have it put on the Order Paper for first reading.

“Only after that leave is sought will we see if this tough talk on gangs is worth the paper it is written on,” said Mr Mark.

ENDS

© Scoop Media