The ACT Party has always had a strong focus on law and order. It is the prime responsibility of government to keep its citizens safe.
With the ACT Party in Government under National, we have ensured that National puts this responsibility at the top of its list. Since ACT has been in Government, we have seen the following:
• Reported crime dropped 7 per cent per head of population during the last fiscal year;
• In fact, every year since being in Government reported crime has dropped;
• Murder has dropped 36.5 per cent since 2008. The murder rate this year is at its lowest since crime statistics began in 1986;
• Serious assault since 2008 has dropped 9.2 per cent.
In the last Parliamentary term, with ACT’s pressure and support, the Government:
• Introduced the ‘Three-Strikes’ legislation. This legislation removes eligibility for parole for the worst repeat violent offenders, keeping our community safe;
• Helped the Government put 600 extra police on the front-line throughout New Zealand;
• Introduced stronger penalties for repeat drink-drivers and given police more powers to intercept gang communications and seize the proceeds of crime. We have supported moves to toughen bail laws and strengthen penalties for crimes against children.
ACT will continue to push for major law and order reform. A Party Vote for ACT is a vote to:
• Review police procedures surrounding section 48 (self-defence) and 56 (defence of property) of the Crimes Act. Law-abiding citizens who use reasonable force to defend themselves or their property should not be dragged through the courts;
• Investigate a degrees of murder regime, so that those who are convicted of first degree murder receive life imprisonment without parole;
• Consider re-introducing the Sentencing Council. The Council would promote consistency and transparency in sentencing amongst different courts and Judges, and Parole Board practices. The government would still develop underlying sentencing laws;
• Push for automatic sanctions for prisoners failing to undertake educational opportunities and/or drug and alcohol courses, or failing drugs tests. Sanctions could include an automatic extension to non-parole period;
• A "broken windows" approach to policing, especially in respect of youth. Criminal activity is significantly less likely to escalate when caught and punished early. A fence at the top of the cliff is much better than the ambulance at the bottom.
• Victims to receive promptly any reparation payment ordered by the Court. Courts should be able to use attachment orders against the offender’s wages and/or benefit and/or property. Adopt the same approach with large unpaid fines.