Media Release
23 September 2008
GREENS SUPPORTING GANGS - MARK
New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark says Green Party MPs are standing in the way of banning criminal
gangs in New Zealand.
This follows Mr Mark’s request during Question Time today for leave to table New Zealand First’s Anti Gang and Organised
Crime Bill in the House, and put it on the Order Paper for first reading.
“The bill seeks to draw together aspects of South Australian gang legislation, New Zealand anti-terrorism laws and the
Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act introduced by the United States Congress,” said Mr Mark.
“While the Minister for Justice had no objection to examining alternative ways to tackle gangs, and had no objection to
the tabling of the bill, the one dissenting voice came from the Greens.
“One has to wonder if the reason why the Greens would be unwilling to explore other options for shutting down this
menace is that they are soft on urban terrorists.
“Something needs to be done about gangs and we in New Zealand First have actually put our money where our mouth is, and
drawn up legislation.
“It is a shame that the Greens saw fit to support gangs by attempting to close the door on the bill,” concluded Mr Mark.
ENDS