11 November 1999

NATIONAL PARTY DNA MOVE SMACKS OF DESPERATION

The announcement today by the National Party to give the Police power to seek compulsory DNA samples from burglary suspects highlights just how bereft of ideas National has become says United New Zealand leader, Hon Peter Dunne.

“Their announcement today just two weeks before the election smacks of populism and desperation and is a blatant attempt to hoist their faltering vote.

“In June 1997 United first put forward the idea of DNA testing of all New Zealanders to help track violent offenders and rapists after their first offence.

“Not only have National shown signs of desperation, but the proposal has all the indications of being clumsily put together.

“There was no reaction from National at the time. We raised it again in our election campaign only two weeks ago, but again National was silent,” says Mr Dunne.

He says the DNA testing technology and resources could be used to far greater effect to catch serious offenders, like rapists and murderers, rather than targeting petty offenders.

“While any attempt to reduce the level of crime is welcome, a more targeted approach to ensure serious offenders are caught is needed.

“The announcement today on the eve of a General Election unfortunately has all the hallmarks of a knee jerk, populist reaction to a serious problem.

“Rather than blundering into things to catch votes, National would have been better advised to do as we have been suggesting, and establish a proper debate on all the issues involved, before making decisions that smack of being half-cocked electoral panic,” says Mr Dunne.

END

Contact: Tony Wallace (04) 471 9041

MEDIA STATEMENT
UNITED NEW ZEALAND
HON PETER DUNNE, MP
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 1.
Ph (04) 471 9410 or (025) 469 808. Fax (04) 499 7266.
e-mail: peter.dunne@parliament.govt.nz. Internet Address: http://www.united.org.nz

New Zealand’s Liberal Party

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