Swain Finally Gets Something Right
New Zealand First would like to congratulate Paul Swain, Minister of Corrections, for finally listening to them about
the ineffectiveness of the Parole Board.
This comes in light of the Minister’s speech at the Parole Board conference in Christchurch today in which he criticised
their work.
“The speech is proof of New Zealand First ‘s criticisms of the Parole Board and of the inappropriate use of home
detention in general, deferred sentences and the Parole Boards flakey performance overall,” said law and order
spokesperson Ron Mark.
“The Minister’s ‘get your act together’ message to the Parole Board is long overdue.
“What is important now is that the Minister stands by his words and ensures that the Parole Board is held accountable
for its actions.
”Public safety is the most important issue when the Parole Board is making decisions and the public must know that this
is always foremost in the Parole Board mind. This is essential if the public is to regain any confidence in the judicial
system.
“The Minister is moving in the right direction but there is still along way to go and he must rethink his proposal to
release 56 sex offenders back into the community each year.
“If offenders require extended supervision, then they should stay in jail,” said Mr Mark.