PILLARS A.G.M.

Tuesday 28 September 2004

I share your vision of a crime free society. I believe I also share your insight that getting there does not have one simple solution, much as many in politics would like us to think.

If you wonder where I am on the crime and punishment spectrum, I would have to say I am one that believes that given the right tools, many a leopard can change their spots.

I got in huge trouble with my advisers an election or two back when I insisted on fronting the public meetings about where to site a treatment centre for young sex offenders. I was told it was political suicide. I did it because I believed then and believe now it was the right thing to do.

I understand you want to hear about my ideas for the Safer Christchurch Interagency group. I'll talk about that in a minute or two.

First, I'd just like to make the point that one of my crucial beliefs on the crime issue is that on every level the idea of early prevention is a winner. I made sure that Christchurch found the funding for Project Early when the funding dried up under National. Now the idea has been picked up by the present Government and has gone out into the rest of the country.

The rate of return is about $35 for every one that is spent. It's such a good rate of return that you can't help but wonder why we do not pursue this path more vigorously.

I find it ridiculous that when we know 85 per cent of inmates have got addiction problems, along with literacy, numeracy and hearing problems, we do not make sure these get dealt with while they are inside.

There are some people who should never get out. They are a tiny minority. I don't think we have scratched the surface in ideas that will really turn lives around. What we do know is that the earlier you start the better the prospects of success.

Our youth crime figures in Christchurch are high because we are doing something about them.