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Archived Press Releases 2005 12th June 2005

Hide’s head or Justice?

(12th June 2005)

Rodney Hides head seemed to be more important than the horrific numbers of murder in New Zealand so far this year according to the organization driving the movement to get tough on crime.

A spokesman for the Sensible Sentencing Trust said Law abiding New Zealanders were the losers when the Media chose to focus on Rodney Hide's head rather than the launch of a carefully thought out and visionary Law and Order policy.

The ACT party launched their Law and Order policy on Friday with a number of white crosses as a symbol of the ever increasing level of violence and murders in recent years.

Mr McVicar said the Sensible Sentencing Trust had worked closely with all Political Parties to ensure the introduction of legislation that would hold violent offenders accountable and responsible for their actions. We believe the present "revolving door" criminal justice policies must be drastically changed if New Zealand is to ever see a dramatic reduction in violent crime.

The introduction of ACT policies would end the recycling of violent criminals by ensuring those who commit first degree murder would serve a true "Life means Life" sentence. Other violent offenders would also be required to serve their full Judge given sentence as ACT would remove all early release options and abolish parole.

The days of a "bulk discount" for multiple offences would also end under ACT policy with the introduction of cumulative sentences, to ensure those who do the crime, do the time.

Mr Franks said ACT’s policy would emphasize protecting the Victims, not the criminals; they had a choice - they made it, and under ACT they will be held accountable.

Mr McVicar said the Sensible Sentencing Trust would be launching their "vote for Justice" campaign in the lead up to the Election, and would be clearly identifying the Parties who have the courage to promote legislation that will turn this Country around and make it a safer place for all law abiding citizens.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.