4 July 2002
Minister Still Waiting For National Support For New Prison
“I look forward to Bill English’s support for the new regional prison which might be build in his electorate of
Clutha/Southland, Corrections Minister, Matt Robson says.
“I’m sure he’ll take a more sensible position than his National Party colleague, Dr Paul Hutchison who has led the
protests against a new regional prison in his electorate south of Auckland.”
Matt Robson is visiting the proposed site for the new prison today at Milburn, close to the town of Milton.
This is the strongest site option so far, although no final decision will be made until a detailed investigation of the
site has occurred and local people have had a chance to have their say.
“This government has just introduced the Sentencing and Parole Acts which will see the worst offenders locked up for
longer – whatever the National/Act parties say.
“Because of that legislation, the prison population is going to increase by around 300 inmates, and that’s partly why we
need new prisons.
“If you’re anti-prison, you can’t be anti-crime.
“I will continue to promote regional prisons over the old slop-bucket prisons because they work better. That’s why I’m
happy to be closing an old prison like Dunedin, and Mt Eden won’t be far behind.
“Regional prisons – keeping offenders close to family and their communities - is the best way of reducing re-offending
when offenders are released back into the community.
“Prison protestors, National’s s Dr Paul Hutchison and Act’s Muriel Newman need to get real. If you want longer
sentences, you’re going to need more prisons. You can’t have it both ways.
Ends