Proposed changes cover investigations, prosecutions, human trafficking, child exploitation
Paul Goldsmith, justice minister, has announced that the government’s recent introduction of the Crimes Amendment Bill seeks to subject criminals to more substantial penalties for attacking first responders, throwing coward punches, engaging in retail crime, and trafficking people.
“We promised to have this introduced before the end of year, and now we’re delivering,” Goldsmith said in the news release from the government. “We aim to have this passed into law before the next election.”
As the government committed to in the National–New Zealand First coalition agreement, the amendment bill proposes to:
“Where others may flee, first responders and prison officers run towards danger to help those who need urgent assistance,” Goldsmith said.
In the news release, Goldsmith described the assaults of first responders and correctional officers as heinous acts of violence that place numerous lives at risk, meriting greater consequences.
Goldsmith then emphasised the risks arising from coward punches.
“People can be killed or suffer lifelong brain injuries, yet perpetrators often receive lenient and insufficient sentences,” Goldsmith said in the news release.
Goldsmith then stressed that police could benefit from additional tools to tackle the issue of retail crime, which includes shoplifting, and help business owners protect their livelihoods.
“For too long business owners have been left feeling helpless as thieves walk out with whatever they please,” Goldsmith said in the government’s news release.
According to Goldsmith, through the amendment bill, the government intends to:
According to the general policy statement in the bill’s explanatory note, the amendment bill aims to:
