11. SIMON POWER (National—Rangitikei) Link to this
to the Minister of Corrections
Is he satisfied that his department is fulfilling the purpose of the corrections system, which is to “improve public safety and contribute to the maintenance of a just society”; if so, why?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Minister of Corrections) Link to this
Yes, because it does a good job in a difficult area of Government responsibility.
Does the Minister believe that movies such as Getting Away with Murder, , , and , all rated R or R18, are suitable movies for prisoners to be watching; and what impact does he believe that watching such movies has on efforts put into prisoner rehabilitation and the maintenance of a just society?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
I do not believe that those movies are appropriate. The policy in this area has been breached, and the staff have been told again that it is not acceptable. I would like the House to note that I understand there was also a very good turn-out for other movies, namely, Babe, , and .
Why, if the department knew in 2002 that prisoners were watching movies contrary to prison policy, are prisoners still watching hundreds of movies that they are not permitted to—movies that show hard-core violence, drug abuse, and jailbreaks; and what will the Minister do to ensure that it does not happen again, other than wring his hands in 4 years’ time?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
I am not aware that Babe, , or have violence or any other sordid details in them.
Hon Paul SwainDoes the Minister agree with the comment in the media that many of the movies referred to were a form of “escapism”; if so, is this part of the Department of Corrections programme?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
I have seen that quote, but can I say once again that this was a breach of policy. Staff will be reminded about the policy, and we will endeavour to prevent it ever happening again.
Chester BorrowsIs the department using movies rather than rehabilitation programmes and work schemes to deal with prisoners, and is that why over 2,000 movies are being shown in 1 year, rather than prisoners undertaking work programmes that could see them making a valuable contribution to society on their release?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
As I have said before, we are reviewing the work programmes. We are committed to increasing the amount of work that inmates do, and I guess that there will be less time for watching movies in the future.