Stumbling Start For Offenders’ Levy

National’s $50 offenders’ levy is off to a stumbling start, with just over half as much money collected in the first month as was expected, says Labour Courts spokesperson Rick Barker.

“Victims of crime are likely to be left with an IOU, rather than getting the assistance they need, showing that this scheme is about political posturing and will not deliver the promised results,” said Rick Barker.

Answers to written questions reveal the Government only received $96,500 in the first month after implementing the levy, while there is still $461,200 owed by 9,308 offenders. For every dollar the Government receives, there is $4.78 outstanding.

“If the Government continues at this rate, it will only receive around half of the $2 million it expected to collect in the first year. Add to this the fact that the taxpayer is fronting up $1.34 million for the pot, and it becomes clear that this scheme is not what the Government made it out to be,” said Rick Barker.

“What’s more, the administration costs of the levy are $1.3 million per year according to the Government, which works out at around $94,100 per month. The Government only received $96,500 from offenders in the first month – at this rate the revenue from the levy will only just cover its cost!”

“National portrays itself as a party that puts victims first, and the offenders’ levy is a key part of this stance, but in reality this Government is deceiving victims by telling them offenders will pay for the services they need to recover. While meaningful assistance for victims would be welcomed by the Labour Party, it looks like the offenders’ levy will fail to deliver.”

ENDS

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