26 August 2009
Media Statement
Boot Camp consultation given the boot
National has broken its promise to listen to New Zealanders over the military style “boot camps”, with today’s
announcement that the Government is pushing ahead with its plans, Labour’s Youth Affairs spokesperson Jacinda Ardern
said today.
“The Select Committee scrutinising the proposed law allowing the boot camps hasn’t even reported back yet. So how can
National be listening to what Kiwis have to say on the issue?” Jacinda Ardern said.
“The majority of submissions to the Social Services Select Committee have been opposed to the military style camps. The
tenor of the opposition has been the same from submitters - boot camps are counter-productive in straightening out young
offenders.”
Jacinda Ardern said Prime Minister John Key today acknowledged National’s boot camp plans had come in for criticism, but
he has personally backed them going ahead.
“So where does that leave the Select Committee process and the opinions of experienced youth workers who are telling the
Government that boots camps won’t work?” Jacinda Ardern said.
“The Select Committee report on boot camps was due to be released in August but was recently delayed until November.
With nearly all the feedback on the boot camps negative, one is left wondering whether the timing is a convenient
coincidence.
“A pattern is emerging from National that it has no time for those who use Select Committees to voice their concerns
against Government plans.
“Paula Bennett and John Key are ignoring those in the know about boot camps in an attempt to appear to be taking action
on youth crime.
“The boot camps were never anything more than a political charade, designed to create an impression during the election
campaign that National would be tough on crime.” Jacinda Ardern said.
ENDS