Three-strikes Sentencing

Legislation that will ensure the worst repeat offenders receive the maximum allowable sentence is very welcome.

The Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill will plug a gap in the law regarding the punishment of the most serious repeat offenders - those people who consistently pose a very real threat to the safety and security of New Zealanders.

This Bill will uphold National’s election promise of no parole for the worst repeat violent offenders, and incorporates significant aspects of ACT’s three-strikes policy.

The Government has been serious about better meeting the needs of victims. The legislation and its three-strikes provisions is an acknowledgement that the justice system exists to serve the victims, rather than offenders.

Under the three-strikes regime, an offender will receive a standard sentence and warning for the first serious offence.  For the second offence they will get a jail term (in most cases) with no parole and a further warning.  On conviction for their third serious offence, the offender will receive the maximum penalty in prison for that offence with no parole. 

Some may see this Bill as harsh but I believe it is only harsh on the very worst and most dangerous of repeat offenders.

By helping keep the worst repeat offenders behind bars for longer and deterring criminals from committing further crimes because of the escalating severity of sentences, this legislation will help make NZ a better, safer place.

Tax Working Group Report

The National-led Government has also welcomed the release of the report by the Tax Working Group. The Working Group was formed last year to consider the medium-term direction of the tax system, including assessing the merits of different types of taxes.

The Government will carefully consider the Tax Working Group’s report on options for improving New Zealand’s tax system. Equity and fairness for households and the economy will guide the Government’s consideration of these options. The only thing we have ruled out is a capital gains tax on the family home.

In considering any significant changes to the tax system the Government believes the benefits must clearly outweigh any potential difficulties. We will consider proposals that are fiscally neutral when you take them together.

The Government believes tax policy could play a role in increasing growth and productivity. We want to ensure our tax system rewards effort, encourages savings, and helps families to get ahead.

The Tax Working Group report – one of several reviews to have reported back to the Government in recent months – will be considered in the coming months as part of Budget decision making.

If you would like to read the Tax Working Group’s report you can access it at this link: http://www.victoria.ac.nz/sacl/cagtr/pdf/tax-report-website.pdf

Jo Goodhew
MP for Rangitata

Posted by admin in Column at 13:12

This is my first newsletter for 2010. I hope you all had a wonderful break with family and friends and have begun the new decade in a positive way. I managed to have a relaxing break and spent plenty of time catching up with family and friends.

Salvation Army Community Garden

This initiative by the Salvation Army is going really well. The garden has been made possible by Mr James Southee who kindly donated the use of his land for the garden. Thanks must also go to Mitre 10, who kindly donated $200 worth of plants and seeds to get the garden growing.

Produce from the garden is being shared among the gardeners, church members and the Salvation Army’s food bank.

Some of you may remember seeing a photo in the Timaru Herald when I visited the garden before it got up and running.

New Years Honour: Bruce Wikitoa, NZOM

At New Year I was delighted to hear that Bruce Wikitoa had been granted the Honour of Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. I have known Bruce for about 15 years in several of his capacities, including school Kaumatua, cultural advisor and assisting in matters of Tikanga to enhance the understanding of such matters within the South Canterbury region. Bruce has also played a vital role in the establishment of support for the Te Aitarakihi Cultural Centre.

The love, respect and appreciation for Koro Bruce Wikitoa is widespread throughout the South Canterbury region. The people of South Canterbury and I, would like to congratulate and thank Koro Bruce for giving his valuable time to so many deserving causes and making the South Canterbury region a more vibrant place. 

Tax Working Group Report

The National-led Government welcomes the release of the report by the Tax Working Group. The Working Group was formed last year to consider the medium-term direction of the tax system, including assessing the merits of different types of taxes.

The Government will carefully consider the Tax Working Group’s report on options for improving New Zealand’s tax system. Equity and fairness for households and the economy will guide the Government’s consideration of these options. The only thing we have ruled out is a capital gains tax on the family home.

In considering any significant changes to the tax system the Government believes the benefits must clearly outweigh any potential difficulties. We will consider proposals that are fiscally neutral when you take them together.

The Government believes tax policy could play a role in increasing growth and productivity. We want to ensure our tax system rewards effort, encourages savings, and helps families to get ahead.

The Tax Working Group report – one of several reviews to have reported back to the Government in recent months – will be considered in coming months as part of Budget decision making.

A copy of the report can be accessed via the link below:
http://www.victoria.ac.nz/sacl/cagtr/pdf/tax-report-website.pdf

Worst repeat offenders to face three-strikes sentencing regime

All New Zealanders have the right to feel safe in their homes and in their communities.

One reason National was voted into office was because people trusted us to take a hard line on criminals.

We are delivering on our law and order promises. In our first year we passed a raft of legislation designed to protect law-abiding Kiwis while cracking down on the people, and criminal activities, which cause the most harm to our families and our communities.

We start our second year with legislation that will ensure the worst repeat offenders receive the maximum allowable sentence.

The Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill will uphold National’s election pledge of no parole for the worst repeat violent offenders, and incorporates significant aspects of ACT’s three-strikes policy.

National is determined to hold serious repeat offenders to account. We are determined to improve public safety. And we are determined to provide a greater measure of justice and closure for victims.

The new sentencing regime will target the small number of repeat violent offenders who show continued disregard for the law and contempt for society. 

Offenders who commit violence and sex crimes with a maximum jail term of seven years or more will come under the new regime.

The first offence will bring a standard sentence and warning. The second offence will bring a jail sentence – in most cases – with no parole and a further warning. On conviction for a third offence, the offender will receive the maximum sentence in jail for the crime with no parole.

We have allowed for a rare occasion when such a sentence would be regarded as manifestly unjust. If the court believes it would be unjust not to allow parole, then it can make an order for parole.

Three strikes will only apply to serious crime offenders aged 18 and over. And it will not be retrospective – it will only apply to offences committed after the law comes into force.
 
The new regime will help keep the worst repeat offenders behind bars for longer. It will also deter criminals from committing further crime by escalating the severity of their sentences.
 
National is determined to make communities safer for Kiwi families, reduce the number of crime victims, and make life tougher for violent criminals. This new law is yet another step towards that goal.

Snippets:

5 February 2010:  Visit to Hakatere Marae
6 February 2010:  Attending Waitangi Celebrations at Onuku Marae in Akaroa
7 February 2010: Attending Multicultural Festival “Bites” at Ashburton Art Gallery
9 February 2010:  Opening of Parliament, Wellington
15 February 2010: Opening of Base Café, Ashburton Youth Project, Ashburton

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 15:35

Jo Goodhew, National MP for Rangitata, welcomed the introduction of National Standards this week, as primary and intermediate schools return after the summer break.

“This is a very exciting year for education. Our National Standards policy is a groundbreaking initiative, and a critical part of the Government’s plan to lift education standards across the country,” Jo Goodhew said. 

“National Standards will help the one in five students currently leaving school without the basic skills they need.”

From this year, primary and intermediate schools will report to parents twice a year in plain language on their child’s progress in reading, writing and maths.

“I’m delighted that parents in Mid and South Canterbury will get the information they want and deserve about their children’s progress.

“Children who are slipping behind will be identified, so teachers and parents can help them improve before it’s too late,” she says.

The Government is spending $36 million over four years to support schools which have identified students who need more support.  There will also be $26 million to provide training and support for teachers, principals and boards of trustees to help with the implementation of National Standards.

“National Standards will be independently monitored and evaluated over the next three years to make sure we get it right,” Mrs Goodhew said.

“The National-led Government will continue to work hard this year alongside schools, parents and communities to make sure our children get the quality education they deserve.”

Ends

Inquiries: Jo Goodhew 021 443 803

Posted by admin in News at 15:31

The Timaru and Ashburton district councils will today receive their first payments of waste levy funding collected under the Waste Minimisation Act, Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew says.

“Money from the waste levy is being distributed to councils to support their work to reduce, reuse and recycle waste thereby reducing harm to the environment and ensuring resources are used more efficiently,” Jo Goodhew said.

“In Timaru $32,378 and in Ashburton $20,674 will be available to see this work done.

“The Waste Minimisation Act discourages waste disposal by imposing a levy of $10 per tonne of waste on disposal facilities such as landfills. Half of the money collected is allocated to councils on a population basis to spend on minimising waste in their area and the remaining levy money, minus administration costs, is made available for waste projects and education through the Waste Minimisation Fund.

“I encourage applications to the Waste Minimisation Fund from those in the community delivering waste minimisation education, people with new ideas to reduce waste and those wanting to expand the scope of existing waste reduction operations. Information about the fund is available on the Ministry for the Environment website, with applications closing on 1 March 2010.”

The Waste levy funding will be made quarterly and councils will use the funding in accordance with their waste management and minimisation plans which are developed locally.  These plans are supported by the New Zealand Waste Strategy which is the Government’s long term vision for waste reduction. This long-term strategy is being updated to be in line with the National Government’s waste policy.

“This policy is about discouraging waste being dumped in landfills through the waste levy and supporting councils and communities in their waste minimisation and recycling programmes,” Mrs Goodhew said.

Ends

Posted by admin in News at 08:30

The opportunity to host a Rugby World Cup team in Ashburton is an honour for the district Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew says.

Ashburton’s selection as one of the 23 centres throughout New Zealand which will host a team was announced by the Rugby World Cup 2011 organisers today.

Mrs Goodhew said she was delighted Mid Canterbury was successful.

“It is fantastic for the region and will be great for Mid Canterbury’s economy.”

Ashburton will host a play-off winning team for six days at the beginning of September 2011.

Timaru had also made a bid to host a team but has been unsuccessful.

Mrs Goodhew said she was, of course, disappointed for Timaru and for those who had worked hard towards gaining a team hosting opportunity for the city.

“Nevertheless, I am very pleased there will be a team hosted in the Rangitata electorate.”

ENDS

Contact:Jo Goodhew 021 443 803     

Posted by admin in News at 10:31