Le’aufa’amulia Asenati
Lole-Taylor
New Zealand First Spokesperson for
Corrections
Associate Spokesperson for:
Law and Order
May 16, 2014

$100 Million Cut – Where And How?

New Zealand First says the Government has seriously compromised community safety by using the Budget as an electioneering tool and neglecting essential areas like law and order.

“The Department of Corrections has had their funding cut by $100 million,” says Spokesperson for Corrections Le’aufa’amulia Asenati Lole-Taylor.

“The question needs to be asked, where will they slash and burn to save $100 million. Do they seriously think they can reduce the prison population.

“The Minister is crowing that there is less re-offending and crime is decreasing but that is just lies and statistics. It’s clear that the Minister has been in cahoots with Finance Minister Bill English to make cuts so the government can sell a ‘surplus’ story.

“It is totally irresponsible for the Government to ignore vital areas of community safety.

“They cannot possibly expect us to believe that less funding is required when there is more crime, violence, drug and alcohol abuse. The reality on our streets is devastating.

“The ongoing success of drug and alcohol programmes for prisoners relies on good staff and resources.

“We want the Government to demonstrate substantial, long-term commitment to effective rehabilitation, and take reintegration initiatives seriously.

“The Government would rather justify budget cuts with an artificially low prison population but inmates are being released without proper rehabilitation, and that puts the public at risk,” says Mrs Lole-Taylor.

ENDS

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