On the beat in Botany
I recently met with the victims of three retail business robberies after reading about their plight in the local papers.
While all three of them were obviously shaken after their ordeal, I was impressed to hear all three of them comment on how fast the police responded to their calls.
Each of the victims praised the police on their response time and the way they dealt with their complaints, but they were worried about what would happen if and when the culprits were caught.
They said it was essential that New Zealand have tough laws to deal with the offenders of crime.
This is something that has been an issue for many in Botany and is an issue the National-led Government is committed to addressing.
We have introduced a number of pieces of legislation designed to address the rights of victims.
We have already passed the Bail Amendment Act, which reverses the lenient bail laws passed by the previous Labour government, while the Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill - which removes the right of parole for repeat violent offenders - is currently before the Select Committee and will be reported back on next month.
The Sentencing (Offender Levy) Amendment Bill - which imposes a $50 levy on offenders at the point of sentencing - is also before the Select Committee and due to be reported back on next month.
We have also introduced legislative changes to protect women and children, including passing the Sentencing (Offences Against Children) Amendment Act, which allows violence against children to be used as an aggravating factor during sentencing.
Also, the Domestic Violence (Enhancing Safety) Bill - which strengthens sentencing provisions and bail conditions relating to domestic violence and gives police the power to issue on the spot protection orders to keep the victims safe - has been through the Select Committee process and is due for its second reading.
The National-led Government is also delivering on our promise to boost the police force, with a recruitment drive currently underway to fill 600 new vacancies - 300 of which will be in Manukau.
Manukau's baby boom
As I mentioned in the last Pansy Speak, I have been visiting schools throughout the electorate to discuss the National Standards in literacy and numeracy and other issues.
During these visits, many principals and staff raised the issue of Special Education and the need to have resources to help children with impairments and behavioural issues.
In Budget 2009, funding for children with special needs was increased by $51million over four years - which will fund an extra 1100 students nationwide and reaffirms the National-led Government's commitment to ensuring children are given the assistance they need.
Last week I also visited Middlemore Hospital and was amazed to discover that the maternity ward helps deliver more than 7000 babies a year - one of the largest in Australasia.
While visiting the hospital, it was brought to my attention that there has been a global increase in the number of children with autism and other special needs - which is a reason that schools are feeling the pressures of supporting children with special needs.
The reasons for the rise in children with special needs are still unknown, but international research is currently underway to discover more about this worldwide phenomenon.
Having recently been given the Associate Disability Issues portfolio, I am interested in learning more about this worrying trend and seeing what can be done.
I understand the Associate Minister of Education, who looks after Special Education, is aware of these concerns and we will continue to address them.
Diversity documentary
As well as visiting schools, I also got visits from two budding young movie makers from Botany Downs College who are making a documentary on diversity in our electorate.
They came into my office at 735 Chapel Rd and interviewed me for their documentary. The two students were very professional and were well informed, showing that they had done their research well.
Their passion and enthusiasm for the project makes me wish I was back in school, because it seems like so much fun.
Willowbank School is also interested in helping embrace diversity in our electorate through the Homework Support Programme, which targets students from migrant backgrounds, who speak English as a second language.
This after-school programme runs twice a week for an hour and assists students who need a little extra help with their schoolwork.
Starving off swine flu
The death toll from the Swine Flu continues to rise and it is crucial that we all take care to stop it from spreading within our community.
By taking simple measures such as washing and drying our hands, covering coughs and sneezes and avoiding contact with sick people or staying inside while we are ill, we can help curb the spread of Swine Flu.
For more information on Swine Flu, go to the Ministry of Health's website at http://www.moh.govt.nz/
If you or someone you have is unwell and you think they may have contracted Swine Flu, then visit your GP or phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.
