5. MOANA MACKEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
What action, if any, is the Government taking to reduce reoffending of young people dealt with by the Youth Court?
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
This week I introduced the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Bill (No 6). The improvements in this bill will ensure that we have the most up-to-date and effective legal framework for responding to offending by children and young people. This includes introducing two new longer sentence options for the Youth Court, which will ensure that young people can get enough support and treatment to make long-term change.
What reports has she seen regarding support for the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Bill (No 6)?
In January I heard John Key announce with great fanfare that he was committed to these changes. He called the bill “long-overdue legislation”. He said that National considered it “a matter of priority to pass it”. I think the New Zealand public would be very surprised to hear about what has been subsequently described as a “freakish about-face” by Mr Key. When the bill was before Parliament yesterday, what did he and National do? They voted against the legislation. It is yet another case of the leader of the National Party telling the public what he thinks they want to hear, and doing exactly the opposite when he thinks no one is paying attention.
Hon Tariana Turia Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I understand that the Standing Orders state that Ministers’ replies are meant to be concise and to the point. We have been subjected to a number of speeches this afternoon.
Madam SPEAKERI thank the member. I ask members to take note of that very legitimate intervention. Has the Minister finished her answer?
Simon PowerHow does the Minister reconcile Labour’s 2002 pledge card promise to provide “More support for proven programmes to cut youth offending.” with the fact that of the 1,550 health and education assessments funded for first-time youth offenders in the year 2006-07, only 41 percent were actually completed?
I absolutely agree with the member that that needs to continue to be a priority, and I expect him within his own caucus to promote support for alternatives that improve our youth justice sentencing. I am sorry that he got rolled on this issue.
Ron MarkWhat is the Minister’s solution to the case of the 15-year-old who in November 2006 kicked and stomped a man almost to the point of death, who the judge could have referred to the District Court for sentencing, but did not, because it, in his words, had been the offender’s 15th birthday on the day he had carried out this vicious assault, and who consequently received from that Youth Court judge a sentence of only 6 months supervision? Does she not accept that one of the reasons that young people who are dealt with by the Youth Court are reoffending is the Youth Court’s continued failure to send serious, repeat young offenders to the District Court, where they can be more appropriately dealt with?