House: Crime On Their Minds Next Week
The Order paper has been reordered and the Government
has indicated that crime will be the central focus next
week.
The Leader of the House, Roger Sowry, said in the business statement that the Government wished to make progress on laws that tighten up bail regulations and introduce a two tier penalty regime for 'home invasion'.
The House should today complete the third reading of the Auckland Domain (Temporary Closure for APEC) Bill, and make progress on the consideration of the select committee report on the Local Government Amendment Bill (No. 8).
Other business near the top of the paper is consideration of the select committee report on Social Welfare (Transitional Provisions-Special Portability Arrangement) Amendment Bill.
Then comes the justice legislation of the Criminal Justice Amendment Bill (No. 6) and the Crimes (Home Invasion) Amendment Bill, both down for consideration of the select committee report.
The latter bill has a split commentary that includes stinging criticism of the legislation and the responsible Minister, Tony Ryall, and the debate is bound to be heated. Mr Ryall has been unrepentant and clearly sees the issue as a winner for the Government.
Earlier Story:
Home Invasion Laws Polarise Opinions
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9906/S00012.htm