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Archived Press Releases 2008 15th September 2008

GOFF JUST GOOFING

(15th September 2008)

The Sensible Sentencing Trust says that Corrections Minister Phil Goff is just playing politics with his recent statement that Labour will get tough on gangs.

Trust Spokesman Garth McVicar said while SST supported any proposals to make New Zealand streets safer he wondered why it had taken till now to get motivated.

"The Labour Government has had 9 years to crack down on gangs and take a tough stance on Law and Order but in reality they have done the opposite."

"The recent amendments to the Bail Act have put more violent offenders back on the streets while they await trial and the proposed "Sentencing Council" will reduce sentences by approximately one-third."

"The Sensible Sentencing Trust recently requested the Labour Government adopt a "Three Strikes" law to ensure repeat violent offenders received a sentence that would protect the public and prevent further victims."

"If they had done so it would have removed many violent criminals – including many gang members – who have no respect for the law or the harm they cause society."

"The Government declined to do this and in effect passed legislation – the Bail Act 2007 – that is putting more violent offenders back on the streets."

"Phil Goff is just goofing around – playing politics – but the sad reality is violent crime is continuing to escalate and innocent Kiwis are continuing to pay the price."

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.