Putting Victims First
July 11, 2010
I’m sure I speak for most in Wairoa when I say how disappointed I was to read about the recent gang attack. Wairoa is such a great community and it does not deserve to be in the national headlines reinforcing a false “Gangland” stereotype about this great little town, perpetuated by just a small few.
I wanted you to know that I only ever tell the good stories about Wairoa. I love talking about the Lake to Lighthouse race, the Wairoa Races, the “Longest Day” in the Cactus Program, the High School Stage Challenge Team, the Wairoa Ross Shield Team, the Anzac Service at Kaiuku, the A&P Show, the hundreds if not thousands of great things that go on day in day out in Wairoa which are not portrayed in the national news.
I recall campaigning in Wairoa at the last election. I’ll never forget the friendly way I was greeted at each place that someone was home. Even if people didn’t care for National Party politics, they gave me the time of day, said “Gidday” and smiled. Many front doors were open as I walked up proof that people felt safe in their community. It reminded me of growing up in Taradale when we all used to leave our windows and front doors open.
While we can talk about the great side of the community we have to deal with crime because it impacts on us all. It does affect our community. It does affect our economy. But the biggest impact is on the victims of crime and their families. They have to deal with the emotional, physical, and financial effects of crime long after it’s been committed.
Victims have been neglected for too long. So I am pleased that our Government is putting victims at the heart of the justice system.
Two weeks ago, (1 July) on-the-spot safety orders came into effect. These ensure that victims of domestic violence get immediate protection from dangerous situations.
Police will now be able to remove an alleged violent person from the home for a period of up to five days. This will provide a period of safety in which victims can consider their options.
National is also improving services for victims of violent crime. These include a range of initiatives that will help address the financial and emotional costs that victims face.
From 1 July, all convicted offenders will pay a $50 offender levy. This levy will be imposed automatically on offenders at sentencing – regardless of the crime they commit. The levy will collect an estimated $13.6 million over the first four years. It will support additional entitlements and services for victims of serious crime.
These include:
- Increased grants for families of homicide victims.
- Assistance with expenses resulting from sexual violence.
- A High Court attendance grant of $124 per person per day for up to five adult members of a homicide victim’s family.
- Increases in travel, accommodation, and childcare assistance for victims attending court proceedings.
- Funeral grants for families of homicide victims.
National is committed to addressing the impact of crime on victims. We can’t take away the pain of victims’ loss or injury, but we can help to smooth the way.
Our new on-the-spot safety orders, the new offender levy, and extra victim support will help ensure offenders contribute to addressing the harm their behaviour causes, and put victims at the heart of the justice system.
This aside – let’s all focus on the many positive things that occur day in and day out in Wairoa. We know it’s a magic town. Rest assured I’ll be doing my bit to tell the world.
Chris Tremain – MP Napier/Wairoa
