5. MARTIN GALLAGHER (Labour—Hamilton West) Link to this
to the Minister of Police
What progress has been made on modernising the legislative environment for the New Zealand Police?
Hon ANNETTE KING (Minister of Police) Link to this
In March this year I announced a comprehensive review of the Police Act 1958 to bring the legislation up to date for the 21st century. Since then, consultation has been occurring around the country, and, so far, seven issue papers have been released by the New Zealand Police team that is coordinating the review. This evening the process goes one step further, when I open the New Zealand Police - Victoria University of Wellington School of Government symposium on the future of policing in this country. I expect this to be a challenging and invigorating symposium at which overseas policing and criminology experts, and academics will join local people in one of the most important debates to be held on policing in New Zealand for many years.
What support has there been for the review of the current Police Act, which I understand is almost 50 years old?
I have found considerable support for the review and the process being followed. The rewrite of the Act will take around 2 years to complete, thereby giving many New Zealanders an opportunity to have an input. The New Zealand Police staff are taking a very keen interest in the review, as are the Law Commission, many other Government departments, and members of the public. I am particularly pleased with the political parties that have agreed to be part of a multiparty approach to the important rewrite of this legislation.
Simon PowerCan the Minister confirm that it is proposed, as part of the review of the Police Act, that police should receive the proceeds of assets that they confiscate from criminals; and is this the reason why the Criminal Proceeds and Instruments Bill sat for a year on the Order Paper before being pulled before its first reading?
No, I cannot confirm that. As the member knows, his having received each one of the discussion documents that went out, a series of questions have been asked in those documents; they do not pose answers, nor do they suggest the direction that, at the end of the day, this Parliament will take when we rewrite that Act. The discussion documents ask the questions; they do not give the answers. It will be up to this Parliament and the people of New Zealand to give the answers.