Justice Minister Phil Goff's proposal for 'degrees of sentencing' is ironic given that he has been giving hard-hitting
speeches for years opposing the idea as put forward in my private members bill, National's Police spokesperson Brian
Neeson said today.
"Mr Goff opposed my Degrees of Murder Bill preferring to rely on Judges to use their discretion. Now he's turned around
and copied the idea - albeit a watered down version.
"Mr Goff dismissed my Bill saying it 'could be too restrictive' and that 'new discretion given to judges gives them the
flexibility to treat different murder cases with appropriate severity'. Mr Goff said that 'the latitude that Judges
currently have is preferable' to what he calls 'the straightjacket of imposing degrees of murder'.
"Given Mr Goff's sudden enthusiasm for degrees of sentencing I hope he does more than just tinker with the current
system. A substantial change is required in our sentencing laws if New Zealanders are going to get their wish to have
tougher sentences imposed on violent offenders.
"Whether Mr Goff's degrees of sentencing approach gets out of the starting blocks will depend on the support of
Corrections Minister Matt Robson who is known more for his sex in prisons, toddlers behind bars and home detention for
violent offenders ideas than for supporting tough sentencing policies.
"My Bill is still before the Select Committee so the Minister can still have some input into my proposal. Mr Goff should
stop wasting time and support my Bill.
"If Phil needs any more policy ideas we will be happy to oblige," Mr Neeson said.
Ends