National Law & Order spokesman

1 October 2004

PM allows yet more prisoner compo claims

The Government's lack of action over prisoner compensation legislation is coming home to roost as National predicted, says Law and Order spokesman Tony Ryall.

He is commenting on a report that a convicted killer seeking $350,000 in damages over an alleged unlawful jail recall is speeding up the claim to beat an expected law change.

"National warned the Government that there would be an avalanche of prisoner compensation claims if it did not close this legal loophole.

"Dr Brash offered to help push through legislation to nip these claims in the bud, but the Prime Minister ignored this offer. Instead she is happy to explain why prisoners should have rights to claim compensation.

"The clock is ticking. More claims are likely unless the Prime Minister acts.

"It is now imperative that the law - whenever the Government finally gets around to doing something about it - be made retrospective so we can stop these criminals benefiting financially from their crimes. So far, the Prime Minister has ruled out back-dating any law change," Mr Ryall says.

ENDS

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