… two main parties hypocritical on crime……
“Two men walk into a bar and argue over whose law and order policy is the best…..”
That is the start to a bad joke. A joke that is a reality as Labour and National put their finger in the air, decide that crime is an issue this election campaign, and argue over who has the better policies. The answer is neither.
The National Party’s attempt to appear tough on crime this week reminds me of the fable of the Emperor’s new clothes. No amount of self-important rhetoric and shouting loudly can disguise the fact that National never has and never will have the policies to deal with crime in this country the way it needs to be dealt with. Its policies are naked and devoid of substance.
National’s latest policy to abolish parole for “some people” might sound tough at first blush, but a look at its track record shows it can’t be trusted on this front either:
- National slashed Police numbers in the 1990s and attempted to replace them with a faulty computer system;
- National voted against extra Police resources NZ First gained in its current confidence and supply agreement with the Government;
- National also reneged on extra Police numbers it promised NZ First in its 1996 coalition agreement;
- National recently rejected banning the display of gang tattoos in the Wanganui Council anti-gang bill, seriously diluting the bills intent;
- National introduced the poorly thought through home detention policy that has seen dangerous criminals living back in our communities;
- National voted against the expansion of the Youth Court and voted against the opportunity to lower the age of criminal responsibility;
- National has consistently spoken against NZ First’s policy to abolish concurrent sentencing for serious crime;
- National has consistently opposed NZ First’s policy of compulsory military training for some youths – a policy aimed as much at law and order outcomes as social outcomes.
The New Zealand public shouldn’t have to listen to more bluster from the National Party or any other party. Labour’s track record is poor too. We should all have the right to feel safe in our communities.
Only one party has delivered 1000 more Police to our streets. Only one party has consistently said we need to get tough on crime, put our most serious offenders in prison for longer, limit parole opportunities and ban gangs. That’s your party, New Zealand First.
October 8th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Where are the extra police Winston? Certainly not on the streets as you claim. Give us a list, if you can, of where they are stationed.
Winston says: They are on the streets. Sworn Police numbers have increased from 7411 full time equivalent staff in November 2005 to 8464 by August 2008. To give you a few examples, there are 54 more sworn Police in Northland, 96 more in Waitemata, 99 more in Counties/Manukau, 65 more in the Bay of Plenty, 58 more in Wellington, 61 more in Canterbury, 56 more in Southland. Its the same story across all Police districts. We delivered on our promise. But it shouldn’t stop there - we’re still proposing to increase Police numbers further.
October 8th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Love it, love it, love it, the world financial markets in turmoil. Suicide bombings in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. Iran looking to have it’s own bomb. TVNZ hassling Mr Peters about a poll on the least liked political leader. Failing to tell the people the poll was conducted at the New Zealand convention of village idiots and the media was well represented Soper, Espiner, Sainsbury. Mr Roleston won first prize because he failed to turn up and Mr Hooten came second. They are more to be pitied than scolded Mr Peters but keep putting the boot in anyway we of the great unwashed love it. Talking of the great unwashed we will decide in a poll on Nov 8. Tell the people and trust the people.
October 8th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Mr Peters with regard to the Energy Policy document 2008. does “exploring the ongoing feasability of energy options” include Nuclear Power ????????????
I deserve a yes or no answer please.
Winston says: The answer is no. In line with public sentiment, NZ First does not currently support the use of nuclear power.
October 11th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Mr Peters says “in line with public sentiment NZ First does not support Nuclear power” Does political expediency take priority over the future energy requirements of New Zealand and the wishes of our own members who at conference voted that we should “investigate” nuclear power. Do we listen to our members or egotistical spin doctors.