8. CHESTER BORROWS (National—Whanganui) Link to this
to the Minister of Justice
What legislative measures is the Government taking to tackle P?
Hon SIMON POWER (Minister of Justice) Link to this
The Government has progressed, and is progressing, a range of legislative measures that will ensure the authorities have more tools than before to fight against the gangs and P. The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Bill, the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Bill, the Search and Surveillance Powers Bill, and the Gangs and Organised Crime Bill will assist in that regard. I am confident that these measures will help the authorities to gain the necessary tools to attack gangs and other organised crime syndicates that manufacture, supply, and distribute P.
What are the unique characteristics of P use in New Zealand that have made dealing with methamphetamine a priority for the Government?
New Zealand has the third-highest reported use of methamphetamine in the world. This Government, led by the Prime Minister himself, has made getting rid of P a priority because it is wrecking lives, wrecking families, and fuelling crime.
Hon Ruth DysonWhat representation has he received from the Minister of Health about the cost of a doctor’s visit and the cost of a prescription charge, which will now be faced by older people in our communities—people who are not setting up a P lab but who have just a really bad cold?
The member can be assured that the Minister of Health has been heavily involved in the plan that was released by the Prime Minister in recent days. Frankly, I find it a bit odd that that member and Clayton Cosgrove have taken a view that seems to be opposed to tackling this awful drug.
Su’a William SioHow will the Government’s cutting of $3.57 million and more than 50 jobs from border control allow a greater focus on P at the border?
Although I do not have any responsibility for border control and the primary question relates to legislative matters in my area, I can tell the member that the Prime Minister has directed 40 border control officials in the New Zealand Customs Service into special work and task force groups in this particular area. I can assure him that recent gains made in this area by that organisation have been significant.