Keeping our streets safe and violent offenders behind bars
Hon John Key
You and your family should feel safe in your community. You shouldn't have to worry about being a victim of violent crime.
National promised to get tough on crime, improve law and order, and put victims ahead of criminals. We are delivering on our election promises.
In its first year, the National-led Government passed a raft of law and order legislation. It was designed to protect law-abiding New Zealanders, while cracking down on the people and criminal activities which cause the most harm to our families and communities.
To start this year, we're delivering on another election pledge. We're introducing legislation that will ensure the worst repeat offenders receive the maximum allowable jail sentence.
The Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill includes a "three-strikes" policy, which will target violent offenders who continue to show disregard for the law.
Like you, National does not want to see crimes, especially serious crimes, committed on parole. We are determined to make our communities safer for New Zealanders, and to reduce the number of victims of crime.
Under the new policy, a first offence will bring a standard sentence and warning. The second offence will bring a jail sentence, in most cases with no parole, and a further warning. The third offence will result in the offender being given the maximum sentence in jail for the crime, with no parole. Offenders who commit violence and sex crimes, with a maximum jail term of seven years or more, will face the three strikes penalty regime.
This policy is about keeping the worst repeat offenders behind bars for longer. We also want to deter criminals from committing further crime, by escalating the severity of their sentences.
We know there is more work to be done, however, to ensure fewer young people embark on a life of crime. That's why this year, we're introducing our Fresh Start legislation, which is aimed specifically at young offenders.
As well as creating tougher, more effective sentences, the new law will strengthen the Youth Court, and introduce a range of new court orders to deter young offenders from a life of crime. These will include compulsory parenting programmes, drug and alcohol rehabilitation courses, and outdoor activity programmes. Repeat offenders, and those who breach curfews or other orders, will be subject to further monitoring, including in some instances, an electronic bracelet.
Last year we addressed another major driver of crime in New Zealand by clamping down on criminal gangs and the ‘P' trade. This has already resulted in a number of seizures and arrests, and we intend to stay focused on this in the coming year.
We have strengthened bail laws to protect the public, and are training an extra 600 frontline police officers. We have also set up a Victims Compensation Scheme, meaning all offenders must pay a levy which will be used to fund better services for crime victims.
National is getting tough on crime, on criminal activities, and on the worst repeat offenders. We are sending a clear message that crime will not be tolerated.
We believe that you, your children, and your grandchildren deserve to feel safe in your homes and in your communities.
That's what this Government promised, and that's what we'll continue working hard to deliver.
