Fri, 8 Oct 2004
Beehive Bulletin
Victims will benefit from prison compensation legislation
Initiatives have been agreed by the Cabinet that will lessen the likelihood of prison inmates being granted
compensation while real victims miss out. Justice Minister Phil Goff says wrongs allegedly suffered by inmates while
imprisoned are often minor when compared to the far greater wrongs that these offenders have committed against their
victims. Phil Goff says his preferred option of simply denying compensation to inmates, would, however, be contrary to
obligations New Zealand has accepted under international law.
The criteria agreed by Cabinet will limit payment of damages to inmates to exceptional cases. Changes will also be put
in place to allow civil claims by victims against their offenders for damages and for when an offender receives state
compensation or any other windfall gains. Phil Goff says he's asked for top priority to be given so legislation can be
introduced as soon as possible.
Options for airing cadet concerns being considered
Defence Minister Mark Burton is considering options for an appropriate independent process to respond to issues raised
by former cadets of the Army Cadet School at Waiouru. His office continues to liaise with former cadet Ian Fraser, who
this week raised concerns about treatment of cadets dating back as far as 45 years ago. Mark Burton says the issues must
be dealt with in a serious, professional, credible manner that ensures everyone who has concerns can be heard. He is
seeking advice from agencies such as Crown Law and the State Services Commission and urges anyone with concerns to
contact his office - jennie.darby@parliament.govt.nz or 04 471 9715
Committee's report on Agent Orange exposure welcomed
A Parliamentary committee's report into the exposure of New Zealand Defence personnel to Agent Orange during the
Vietnam War has been welcomed by Veterans Affairs Minister George Hawkins. He says the government acknowledges these
personnel served their country in an extremely difficult environment, and it had a responsibility to ensure their claims
were heard. The government will examine the health committee's findings and report to Parliament on its recommendations,
says George Hawkins.
Holidays legislation in place this month
Labour Minister Paul Swain says the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee has done an excellent job in this week
reporting back to Parliament on the Holidays Amendment Bill. The government introduced the Holidays Amendment Bill in
September following difficulties with the interpretation of some provisions of the Holidays Act.
The committee's key recommendations clarify that: penal rates do not include overtime; employees can choose their doctor
if a medical certificate is requested; employers are only required to pay an employee's reasonable expenses, when
requesting a medical certificate; employees who are asked for a medical certificate and do not provide it without good
reason, may not be paid sick leave. Paul Swain says the government intends to have the bill in force by Labour Day, 25
October 2004.
More Gateways schools providing school-to-work link
The government's Gateway programme to help students move into the workforce or further education is being extended to 55
more secondary schools next year. Gateway enables senior secondary school students to get involved in work-based
learning as part of their school studies and gain credits on the National Qualifications Framework.
Associate Education Minister Steve Maharey says the expansion brings the total number of Gateway schools to 180 and
around 6,000 students will benefit in 2005. Improving achievement in education and employment is vital to building New
Zealand's productivity, addressing skill shortages and improving economic growth. Steve Maharey says Gateway is also
important in achieving the government's 2007 target of having all 15-19 year olds engaged in education, training, or
employment.
Funding for Wairarapa train services upgrade
A one-off government grant of $10.6 million will be added to $15.85 million to from Transfund New Zealand to upgrade
rolling stock for Wairarapa train services. Finance Minister Michael Cullen says a tender process for the new trains is
already underway and the date from which new trains can be expected on the line will be announced in coming weeks.
Michael Cullen says the government is working in partnership with Wellington regional and local authorities, local MPs
and Toll Holdings Limited, to improve public transport in Wellington. The new money for the Wairarapa service comes hot
on the heels of the announcement of the jointly funded $5.4 million upgrade of the Wellington region's 36 English
Electric passenger rail units and further refurbishment of Wellington's main railway station.
ENDS