John Key MP
National Party Leader

1 February 2008

National to repeal dangerous bail law

National Party Leader John Key said today National would, in Government, axe Labour's misguided bail law amendments made last year and then look to improve the law so public safety is paramount.

"We are going to reverse the Labour Government's 2007 Bail Act changes. National will be tabling a bill which seeks to repeal the 2007 law change.

"Labour has indicated that the driving force for the change was a reduction in the prison population. National believes protection of the public should be the most important consideration.

"There have been numerous examples where the new law has failed. These include the grant of bail to murder accused Chris Kahui, even though he had previously breached his bail conditions three times.

"In December, a 16-year-old was bailed under the new law to his mother's Matamata home while awaiting sentence for aggravated robbery. When police did a bail check on a Saturday night he wasn't there. He allegedly raped a 15-year-old later that night and was bailed again.

"Such cases horrify the public.

"Even before last year's changes, Labour had overseen a 150% rise in the number of defendants failing to report for bail.

"National will ensure that public safety, not a reduction in prison numbers, is paramount."

ENDS

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