Hon Judith Collins
MP for Papakura

21 September 2012

Collins Comments

At the last election, National campaigned to introduce tougher laws to make sure society’s most high-risk sexual and violent offenders are kept behind bars.

I’m pleased to say we’re delivering on this election promise and this week I introduced The Public Safety (Public Protection Orders) Bill to Parliament.

The Bill will allow the High Court to order offenders with a very high risk of imminent and serious sexual or violent offending after they are released from jail, to be detained until the High Court is convinced they are safe for release.

The test for handing down a Public Protection Order (PPO) will be high – there will be strong checks and balances to ensure orders are applied appropriately and reviewed regularly, and give offenders as many civil rights as practicable.

PPOs provide a new tool to deal with society’s worst offenders in a way that current sentencing and release provisions, such as extended supervision orders and preventative detention, don’t allow.

This Government is continuing to put victims at the heart of our justice system and the safety of all New Zealanders’ should not be jeopardised by a small number of offenders who continue to be a serious threat after they are released from prison.

I enjoyed cheering on Papakura High School in this year’s New Zealand Secondary School Rugby League Nationals at Bruce Pulman Park recently. It was great to see students, staff, families and friends turn out to support our Papakura players – runners-up in the developing schools section of the tournament.

I’d like to congratulate the Papakura team, particularly Patrick Mailata (MVP), Arthur Crichton, Jazz Tevaga and Chris Smithson who have received offers to play rugby league in Australia. Arthur was also named the most promising young player in the whole New Zealand Rugby League Championship.

I also congratulate former Papakura High School student Alicia Doel who has been named New Zealand’s Food and Beverage Training Service Person of the Year at the 20th Annual Culinary Fare.

Alicia is studying hospitality management at MIT and impressed the judges across all four categories of the competition: Table service, cocktail, wine and café beverages. Well Done Alicia, Papakura is proud of you!

Next week is annual Arthritis New Zealand Appeal Week. More than half a million New Zealanders will be affected by arthritis at some stage during their lives. The appeal is a great chance for Kiwis to get behind Arthritis New Zealand so they can continue to support people living with the condition.

I will be joining collectors on Papakura’s main street on Friday 28 September. Visit www.arthritis.org.nz or call 0800 663 463 to volunteer in your area or to find out how you can donate.

ENDS

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