Genuine reform of justice system must follow conversations - PSA

Talking about the flaws in the justice system has begun an important process which must now be backed up with real reforms, the PSA says.

The PSA is attending the three-day Criminal Justice Summit in Porirua hosted by Justice Minister Andrew Little.

"This is an important staging post towards genuine reform of the system," PSA National Secretary Glenn Barclay says.

"It has been important to hear from the people who have too often been failed by the criminal justice system.

"Their stories are not often told, and it was sobering to hear from them."

Mr Barclay acknowledged the Government’s courage in hosting the summit and allowing these truths to be told.

"Some of this can’t have been easy for the Government to hear, but we believe there is a genuine commitment to reform.

"The PSA wants to be part of building a future-focused justice system, and we will represent the voices of those who work in the system.

"We have members not only in Justice and Corrections, but in mental health, housing, Oranga Tamariki and Work and Income.

"They choose this work because they want to make a difference, and they have intimate knowledge of the flaws in the system and how to overcome them.

"They also need to be part of the strategic discussion, when policies and approaches are being formed.

"The High Performance High Engagement approach has long been part of the PSA’s kaupapa, and we look forward to a reform process which makes the most of workers’ expertise."

ENDS

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