5. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE (Labour—Waimakariri) Link to this
to the Minister of Police
Does she stand by her statement that “the government has taken prompt action to crack down on violent crime.”?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Police) Link to this
Yes. Since entering Government less than a year ago, we have provided almost $200 million for extra police, and we have introduced, progressed, or passed 10 bills aimed at making New Zealand safer: the Domestic Violence (Enhancing Safety) Bill, the Gangs and Organised Crime Bill, plus eight others.
Hon Clayton Cosgrove Link to this
Is the Minister satisfied that her Government’s so-called prompt action to crack down on violent crime is working, given that the latest crime statistics show a 7 percent increase in recorded violent crime for the last financial year, including a 4.9 percent increase in the first 6 months alone of this year?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
In fact, any increase in recorded violent crime is not acceptable. However, a 7 percent increase is significantly less than the 11.1 percent increase recorded the year before that. I ask that member to remember that half of that 7 percent increase was recorded under his Government.
Hon Clayton Cosgrove Link to this
Does the Minister agree with her colleague Simon Power, who claimed that 54 murders in the 2007-08 financial year was an example of violence running wild under a Labour Government; if so, are the more than 62 murders in the first 9 months alone of this calendar year an example of violence out of control under the John Key - led National Government?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
I think that is somewhat foolish, particularly given that half of those figures were actually recorded under the previous Labour Government. But I, like Mr Power, was appalled when Annette King, as Minister of Police, felt that violent crime had gone up under her watch all because of the sun and the moon. This Government blames criminals for crime; we do not blame the sun and the moon.
Hon Clayton Cosgrove Link to this
Given the increase in the crime rate and the news that police are taking longer to respond to top-priority emergency calls, does the Minister now accept that the last thing the Police needs is a $21 million cut to its budget, the loss of 340 police vehicles, and the rationing of firearms training?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
If only that were true. The Police has told that member time and time again that there was not a $21 million cut to its budget; I am sorry that he continues to try to undermine senior police in their statements. As for the firearms training, that is a fortuitous question because the firearms training review was started back in May 2007 when Mrs King was the Minister of Police.
Sandra GoudieHas the Minister seen any other reports commenting on the Government’s efforts to combat violent crime?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
Yes, I have seen Mr Cosgrove’s press release commenting on the crime statistics for the year ended 30 June 2009, in which he appears to have forgotten yet again that his party was in Government for half of that year. He has also forgotten the 10 legislative steps taken, the $200 million extra provided in Budget 2009, and that he does not support this Government’s stand against P.
Hon Clayton Cosgrove Link to this
I seek leave to table the transcript of the testimony before the Law and Order Committee of the Commissioner of Police, in which he notes that cuts in the Police budget will indeed create greater risk than—
Mr SPEAKERHon Clayton Cosgrove Link to this
With respect, I know your rulings on tabling documents almost off by heart, Mr Speaker. It is my right to table a document; I am seeking to table it.