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by Jo Moir, Political Reporter
Former national deputy Chester Borrows was appointed to head an advisory group on criminal justice reform and criticized the poor approaches of previous governments in policy development. Borrows "/>
Whanganui MP Chester Borrows
Photo: RNZ
In his first interview with Justice Minister Andrew Little announcing the group later today, Mr. Borrows blamed the parties One example is the three strikes law introduced by National and ACT under the previous government, which Mr. Borrows said National has never supported but was introduced to appease their confidence and confidence. supply partner. 19659007] "Three strikes have never been part of National's plan, they had a political character because they needed a trusted and refueling partner and that's all." I never liked that, I sent it back. 9659007] "Unfortunately it was a party vote and you fall under the whip on those occasions and that's what is "
Mr. Borrows, along with about eight others, will form the advisory group that focuses on reform to reduce the recidivism rate and the number of inmates.
Mr. Little said that for solving problems, it was necessary to consider changes that went beyond formal criminal justice and the penitentiary system
"We must take advantage of what is happening. In the education system, what is happening in health, the work that Jan Logie does on domestic violence, "he said Morning Report
" These are absolutely critical elements what we are doing will affect the criminal justice system, reduce the number of offenders and those who go to jail. "
Watch Andrew Little talk to Gyles Beckford in the morning Report:
M. Little said Mr. Borrows was the obvious cho "I wanted to have Chester on board because of his background as a former front-line police officer, attorney sergeant and later as a lawyer. the defense after obtaining his
"He knows the political system, he was an out-of-cabinet minister, he was deputy speaker of parliament – he also brings a good understanding of the political process."
Mr. Borrows did not think Anyone within the National Party would be surprised by his appointment since his entire career was spent in the justice sector.
"I have worked in the justice sector for over forty years, mainly at the coal front – pointed end of it – I took those ideas to parliament when I went into caucus and discussions and debates, and politics where I could. "
hoped that his appointment was " recognition that I have some ideas of myself. "He announced last year that he would not stand in Whanganui in the last election and Mr. Little spoke about his new role during his March visit
Mr. Borrows behaved like a police officer decades ago, he says.
"It's because the policing policy is so frequently governed by politics and not by a sensitive and sensitive approach. "Politicians are too scared to introduce a policy that could actually work because it is perceived as soft on crime, they will not do it because of the way which could be reflected in the ballot boxes. "
M. Little will announce the other members of the advisory group later today.
He said his opinion They had to be "bold" and "brave" with their recommendations while taking advantage of the experience, science and data.
"We should all be extremely concerned about the recidivism rate of 60% in prison within two years. He agrees with Mr. Borrows' reflection on the policy of the three strikes.
"The political challenge is to deal with the crude rhetoric of repression and repression." -crime and says, "Ah-ah, I do not buy that, I'm on what is effective. Because what is effective keeps people safe. "
