25 May 2000
CORRECTIONS MINISTER SHOULD
STOP FLYING KITES
The proposal to allow conjugal visiting rights in New Zealand prisons, being promoted by Corrections Minister Matt
Robson is one of the more bizarre proposals to be put forward by an Alliance politician in a long time says, Hon Peter
Dunne, leader United New Zealand.
“While I do not doubt his genuine commitment to rehabilitation this latest proposal is not only unacceptable it would be
hugely impractical.
“One can only assume the Minister has chosen to fly a kite or has had a rush of blood to the head. Thinking New
Zealanders will see this idea for what it is – a rather bizarre attempt to make prisons more humane, but clearly one
that wouldn’t work.
“His proposal to allow children to live in prisons is equally bizarre because prison can never be a good environment to
bring up a child.
“Prisons need to maintain a balance between rehabilitation and appropriate deterrence. In the meantime the Minister
should take a cold shower then focus on stopping people being sent to prison in the first place,” concludes Mr Dunne.
END
New Zealand’s Liberal Party
MEDIA STATEMENT
HON PETER DUNNE, MP
LEADER UNITED NEW ZEALAND
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6001.
(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