5. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE (Labour—Waimakariri) Link to this
to the Minister of Justice
Does he stand by his statement in relation to the Sentencing and Parole Reform Act 2010: “I am very relaxed about where it ended up. I was involved in the negotiation of the policy right up to the end.”?
Hon Clayton Cosgrove Link to this
Were the offences of common assault, perjury, and the stealing of a dead baby’s identity in order to obtain a false passport ever considered as possible strike offences during those negotiations; if not, why not?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON Link to this
No. The question would have been a generic question; particular offences would not have been addressed in the course of negotiations or discussions.
Hon Clayton Cosgrove Link to this
Did either the Hon Rodney Hide or David Garrett ever reveal during negotiations on the Sentencing and Parole Reform Act that Mr Garrett had previous criminal offences and charges that could call into question the credibility of this Act, which he had promoted?
Hon Clayton Cosgrove Link to this
Does he agree with the Hon Rodney Hide’s statement that “The focus of our police and court system should be keeping law-abiding citizens safe from thugs and bullies. That means a zero tolerance approach to crime,” or does he agree with the Hon Rodney Hide’s statements in more recent days in relation to David Garrett’s crimes: “Anyone can turn their life around,” and “a person should get a second chance,”?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON Link to this
We are getting away from the primary question, but I am happy to say that I agree with both propositions.