Mon. Nov 4th, 2024
paramjit parmar

Like many Aucklanders, I have been alarmed and saddened by recent reports of attacks on public transport, including against bus drivers.

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I recently met with one such bus driver and his family. He was punched after asking a passenger, who had refused to tag on to the bus, not to shout at him. His assault left him requiring hospital treatment and urgent dental care for dislodged teeth.

While his case received media attention, it soon faded from headlines.
But my meeting with him was a reminder that the effects of violence do not fade so quickly. It is not just the physical wounds, but the mental trauma which can last a lifetime.

No-one should have to fear violence while peacefully working to provide for their families and contribute to society.

I have also spent recent weeks meeting with shop workers and retailers in Auckland, who also often work alone and therefore face similar threats. They have told me of costly security measures they have taken just to feel safe at work, in some cases even building metal cages around shop counters to separate workers from potential attackers.

These stories are made especially heartbreaking because many of these victims have come to New Zealand and started businesses, or taken retail jobs, with the understanding that this would be a safe country.
ACT believes workers and business owners are heroes, and when they are victimized by criminals, their rights should be put first.

So, I am very pleased to that the Government is now delivering on an ACT coalition commitment to increase sentences for attacks on people alone at work.
Legislation has been introduced to make an attack on a “sole charge” worker an aggravating factor at sentencing, meaning judges will be more likely to put these attackers in jail, for longer.

Similarly, if an attack takes place in a business connected to a family home, that will also be an aggravating factor. This is because workers in such a business cannot flee without putting loved ones at risk.

Another aggravating factor will apply if the attacker is a member of a gang.

These changes are part of a wider reform of the Sentencing Act. An additional ACT commitment will mean the circumstances of any victim – not just people at work – will now be given greater weight in sentencing decisions.

We have also defunded “Section 27” reports which were written to argue for shorter prison sentences based on a criminal’s background.

And of course, we are restoring the Three Strikes system to ensure the most serious repeat offenders receive maximum prison sentences.

The Coalition Government isn’t just focused on tougher sentences – we are increasing the capacity of the justice system to catch, convict, and imprison offenders.
In the first two years of Government we are training 500 new frontline police. We are making the justice system easier for victims to navigate with greater use of video participation for victims and their families. We have abolished Labour’s prisoner reduction target and are investing in new youth justice beds.

And finally, my colleague Todd Stephenson is advancing a member’s bill to make education, or rehabilitation courses a condition for prisoners seeking parole.

ACT stands behind the people making an honest living for themselves and their families. Criminals who continue to target bus drivers, shop workers, and other peaceful New Zealanders will start to encounter real consequences as our changes pass through Parliament and come into effect. -Parmjeet Parmar

Designed, Developed and Maintained by Dr. Vinay Karanam