Ele Ludemann: Govt puts horse back in front of cart

Labour’s policy to lower the prison population by 30% was, like so many of its policies a lofty aim with disastrous results.

Most people agree with Bill English that prisons are a moral and fiscal failure but to reduce the population by decree rather than by reducing crime was putting the cart before the horse.

The new government is putting the horse back in front.

It has scrapped that target.

. . . Minister of Corrections Mark Mitchell also confirmed that the Government has scrapped the previous Labour government’s target of reducing the prison population by 30 per cent.

“All New Zealanders would like to see fewer people in prison, but only if there is a drop in serious offending,” says Mr Mitchell.

“Sadly, under the previous Labour government’s soft-on-crime policies, we have seen a 33 per cent increase in violent crime.

“This Government is determined to put public safety back at the heart of the criminal justice system.

“That means ensuring there are real consequences for crime, keeping serious violent offenders from creating more victims.

“The inclusion of these actions in the coalition Government’s 100-day plan shows that it is serious about restoring law and order in New Zealand and ensuring that victims are prioritised ahead of offenders.”

Keeping citizen’s safe ought to be one of the government’s highest priorities. Labour put criminals before victims and public safety with its policy.

The new government has got its priorities right – reducing crime and keeping people and property safe first. Reducing the prison population will follow as a consequence.

Ele Ludemann is a North Otago farmer and journalist, who blogs HERE - where this article was sourced.