Source: Radio New Zealand
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The Justice Minister says it’s uncharitable to say a government retail crime advisory group was a waste of time.
Paul Goldsmith has confirmed the group will wind down four months early, after three of its five members walked away.
Labour this week said it was a stunt from day one, and that it came up with was ideas previously dismissed as ineffective or unsafe.
Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said the group recycled the bad plans, instead of listening to retailers, victims, and police, and that its wind-down is embarassing for the government.
But Goldsmith said retail crime was a real problem, and suggestions the group put forward had been enacted in legislation to make a real difference.
He dismissed criticism of chairman Sunny Kaushal’s behaviour, saying he was a fierce defender of victims.
Kaushal said his priority was to deliver reform for victims of retail crime, and not to have an “endless talking group”.
“I’m very relaxed about the ministerial advisory group winding up in May,” he said.
“I made sure the MAG delivered our advisory work quickly, so that victims could see legislation in the House before we wrapped up.
“I thought this more important than pursuing endless ‘frameworks’ that other MAG members would have prioritised.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand