3. DAVID GARRETT (ACT) Link to this
to the Minister of Police
Why has the Government agreed to support ACT’s “three strikes” policy passing into law?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Police) Link to this
The Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill delivers on National’s pre-election promise to deny parole to the worst repeat violent offenders. Parole is not a right for prisoners; it is a privilege. This privilege is earned and it should not be granted to those who demonstrate total disregard for the law by continuing to commit serious violent offences despite warnings. The bill will put the interests of victims and the wider community ahead of the interests of our worst serious violent offenders.
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
Of the submissions received, 94 percent supported the Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill. They stated concerns about violent crime, public safety, and the need to hold offenders to account. Many supporters wanted to redress what they described as the disparity between the rights of the offenders and those of victims, and to spare victims the stress associated with repeat parole hearings. I am also aware that an independent poll commissioned by that member’s party showed 75 percent public support for this regime.
Hon Rick BarkerHas she read the official advice that National-ACT’s “three strikes” policy is unlikely to have a deterrent effect and will result in fewer guilty pleas, more appeals against convictions and sentences, and possibly an increased rate of homicide; if so, why is the Government proceeding with a policy that will not prevent crime, may lead to increased violent crime, and clearly will make things worse for victims?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
We have received an awful lot of advice, and some of it the Labour Party would enjoy because of the soft approach it takes to criminals. However, I believe that it is very important to note that we received some very good advice on this issue, particularly from victims and their families. I remind that member that most offenders get a set period of sentence but, unfortunately, all victims get a life sentence every time.
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
This bill will ensure that the victims and families of repeat offenders will not have to undergo the additional stress of attending regular parole hearings. This regime will also help stop people becoming victims. It is a sad fact that some high-profile murders would not have been committed if the perpetrators had been serving full sentences for their crimes. This Government is serious about better meeting the needs of victims and putting victims at the heart of our justice system, something the previous Labour Government did not care about.
Rahui KateneIs she concerned about claims from Peter Williams QC that the “three strikes” policy is “hysterical” legalisation, that taking away parole means that there is no deterrent for crime and there is also no incentive for people to rehabilitate, and is this a direction she thinks the police should be promoting?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
No. Mr Williams has spent a lifetime defending the worst repeat violent offenders in this country.