31 March 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

National shares aims with Victim Support

Many of the new policy initiatives announced by National today are key to Victim Support’s Commitment to Parallel Justice released to Government recently.
Improving information and services to victims, victims having the right to be heard in Youth Court and expanding compensation are some of the key issues promoted by Victim Support

Acting Chief Executive Heather Verry said that the idea of placing a surcharge on offenders may be novel to New Zealand, but this system operates in many countries around the world.

“In New South Wales everyone convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment is required to pay a compensation levy that goes into the Victims Compensation Fund. A similar system operates in California,” Mrs Verry said.

“We are disappointed that state-funded reparation is not specifically addressed and we will continue to work with all parties to bring this about.”
Mrs Verry also supports the establishment of a Victims’ Services Centre. “If this improves services and information to victims, then we are all for it.”
National has voiced its commitment to supporting agencies such as Victim Support and such a partnership, she said, can only be good for victims.

ENDS

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