Tony Ryall National Police Spokesman

14 May 2004

Govt dumps on United again

The Government has dumped on United Future again with the confirmation today that our only private prison contract will be cancelled next year, says National MP Tony Ryall.

"The privately run Auckland Remand Prison has been an outstanding success, and United Future has promoted a review of the prison to highlight its achievements in order to pressure the Government to continue the contract."

Mr Ryall says that despite the Government agreeing to a review, it will still finish the contract next year. "Why does United Future put up with this kind of treatment? "United has a supply and confidence agreement with Labour, but it is the Greens, who are committed to outlawing private prisons, that have the Government's ear.

"And it's not the first time either. The Corrections Bill is another example that springs to mind where the Government would rather listen to its lefty buddies than its coalition partner. Mr Ryall says United must be angry this morning at being overlooked again.

"The next National-led Government will invite the private sector to build and run future prisons. Internationally, private prisons operate 5-15% cheaper than public prisons. The money saved will be better spent on post-release services to reduce re-offending."

ENDS

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