Simon Power MP
National Party Justice & Corrections Spokesman

5 January 2007

How many more victims before parole changes?

National Party Justice and Corrections spokesman Simon Power says the case of Graeme Burton will further erode public confidence in parole and it's time for an "arrest to release" overhaul of the justice system.

"This man was given parole against the wishes of his victim's family six months ago. He was supposed to be under 'close supervision' yet managed to stockpile a frightening cache of dangerous weapons."

Mr Power says more details about Burton's 'release plan' should be made available to the public without delay.

"The Minister should immediately be looking to find out where the system has let us down and that information should be released now.

"On the face of it, there appears to have been a clear failure to monitor this convicted murderer despite a recommendation that he be subject to 'close supervision'.

"As a result, the police are again being forced to devote significant resources to catching a notorious prison escaper who's wanted in connection with a vicious assault.

"How many more victims will there have to be before Labour realises its parole programme needs an overhaul?"

Mr Power says National has a policy of no parole for repeat violent offenders.

"The worst of the worst in our jails should never get parole. They should serve their full sentence."

ENDS

© Scoop Media