7. SIMON BRIDGES (National—Tauranga) Link to this
to the Minister of Justice
What reports has he received in response to the range of initiatives for victims of crime that he launched yesterday?
Hon SIMON POWER (Minister of Justice) Link to this
I have seen a number of positive reports on the initiatives that the Government launched yesterday. The police have said that the new on-the-spot safety orders will save lives. Survivors’ advocate Louise Nicholas stated: “New assistance for victims for sexual violence will help improve victims’ path through the criminal justice system.” Families of homicide victims have also welcomed yesterday’s announcements, stating that the new entitlements will help to ease the financial burden placed on victims’ families. I am proud of the support that this Government has given and will continue to give to victims.
I have seen one report from the Opposition law and order spokesperson that described the Government’s new victims’ compensation scheme as magical. There is nothing magical about this Government delivering on its promise to set up a victims’ compensation scheme within a year. What is magical, or perhaps mythical, is the last Government’s promise to set up a victims’ compensation scheme. It was promised in 1994, 1996, 2005, and 2008; incidentally, it was never delivered.
Lynne PillayHas the Minister seen reports from the thousands of sexual abuse survivors and victims and experts in the field who are questioning whether justice is blind and uninterested when it comes to counselling for victims and survivors of sexual abuse?
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I asked a specific question. I asked whether the Minister had seen reports. He talked about a range of reports.
Mr SPEAKERI have listened to Lynne Pillay’s supplementary questions over this last week and my advice to the member is to think carefully about the supplementary questions she asks. I have allowed questions to go through that are outside the Standing Orders. If the member wants a Minister to give a precise answer, she has to make her questions more precise. In asking the Minister whether he has seen reports, goodness knows what kind of answer she is expecting from him. I cannot help her to get a particular answer when she asks that kind of question.