'P' Spend-up: Better Late Than Never

Monday 17 May 2004 Dr Muriel Newman Press Releases -- Crime & Justice

"Better late than never", was ACT New Zealand Police Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman's reaction to the Government's pre-Budget announcement that it will spend an extra $39 million - over the next four years - policing the methamphetamine trade and organised crime.

"Today's announcement smacks of political opportunism. Police Minister George Hawkins has been repeatedly warned about the escalating `P' problem in New Zealand. It is a disgrace that he has waited until one year out from an election before deciding to act," Dr Newman said.

"Labour should be ashamed by the way it has handled the `P' crisis. The Police and Environmental Research and Science have been under resourced from the beginning. The Government, despite recent protestations that it is getting tough on crime, has allowed the problem to spiral out of control.

"The Government has dragged its feet over this issue for too long. In the meantime, community concern has continued to grow as more and more New Zealanders have their lives harmed and destroyed by this epidemic," Dr Newman said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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