Tony Steel
Opposition Corrections Spokesperson
17 February 2000
Government sees sense over private prison
"The Government has seen sense over the private prison contract at the new Auckland prison," Opposition Corrections
spokesperson Tony Steel said today.
"The decision not to pull the plug on the contract is a good step forward. If private operators can run safer prisons,
with fewer escapes and suicides, it has to be a good thing.
"They should be given the chance to prove themselves.
"The Government's opposition to the private prison contracts is not pragmatic or sensible.
"It is purely ideological.
"Our public prisons have an appalling record when it comes to recidivism, suicides, rehabilitation and escapes.
"Allowing the continuation of the contract gives the opportunity to see whether a private contractor can do the job any
better."
Ends