INDEPENDENT NEWS

Has Robson Lost His Mind?

Published: Thu 25 May 2000 09:49 AM
ACT Justice spokesman Stephen Franks is flabbergasted that the Labour Alliance Government’s first change in prison policy is more sex for inmates and raising children in prison.
“How can Corrections Minister Matt Robson show such contempt for the 92% of New Zealanders who want prisons to punish. Is extended sex his idea of the “hard labour” in the referendum?
“Cecilia Lashlie’s common-sense question whether children raised in prison can ever fear prison is only the start. How will drug exclusion and other anti smuggling policies work when prisons become family homes. Is child rearing confined to women? Has he run this past Attorney General Margaret Wilson?
“If this policy is the Government’s version of tougher penal conditions, I’d hate to see an easy time.
“Criminal crèche and prison sex send the absolutely the wrong signals to criminals. The message now is three square meals a day, no responsibility, free sex and the kids can stay too
“More seriously, both restorative justice and attempts at rehabilitation will only be supported, and successful, if victims and the community, feel the state is still committed to ensuring that victims do not suffer more than prisoners.
“How can this policy keep the states side of the “social contract” on crime,” said Stephen Franks.
ENDS

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