The Sensible Sentencing Trust has today expressed huge disappointment at the Justice Select Committee’s report on the Crimes Amendment Bill, which fails to recommend a mandatory minimum non-parole period for Coward Punches causing death.

National spokesperson Louise Parsons today said: “If the Bill is passed as recommended, the opportunity for meaningful reform will be missed by a Government that says it is tough on crime.  Sensible Sentencing Trust is calling on Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith to intervene to ensure this opportunity is not missed and to see the political rhetoric matches the sentencing reality.”

“We are grateful to both the ACT and New Zealand First parties for supporting an 8 year minimum non-parole period at Select Committee.  It is also clear the Government MPs on the Select Committee understood the pleas of submitters around the weak sentencing levels for Coward Punches causing death. The report states: 

‘Some of us would have very much liked to have been able to address the concerns about sentencing through this bill. We seriously considered how we could do so. However, given the system-wide implications and scope issues raised above, we acknowledge that this bill is not the appropriate vehicle for making changes. We also acknowledge the submitters who felt that the sentences were not appropriate. Some of us strongly recommend that a bespoke piece of legislation be introduced that addresses the issues that we have highlighted.’ 

Sensible Sentencing Trust is heartened by these comments by Government MPs. But, once again, Parliament has kicked the issue down the road.  The report suggests that a substantial amount of policy work needs to be done to implement a minimum non-parole period of imprisonment.  That is bureaucrat speak for: ‘We need time to prepare for, and block, the effective sentencing reforms proposed’. The Ministry of Justice essentially opposes any justice reform this Government pursues.  Their advice is almost always the same: ‘MOJ prefers the status quo.’ In other words - there is no problem, nothing to see here.” continued Parsons.

“The policy work should already have been done.  This is an issue that has been campaigned on for almost 10 years and attempts made by multiple MPs - from both the National Party and New Zealand First, to fix it. This does not have to be a difficult reform.  It’s really quite simple.  The Judiciary have set sentencing for coward punches causing death very low since 2002.  The New Zealand public expects much more. Victoria and NSW show that just across the ditch, minimum sentences of 7 years non-parole are standard fare.  Sentencing in New Zealand can only replicate that if Parliament changes the law to require the Judiciary to do it.  The Judiciary will not do it on their own initiative - they have had 24 years to show they could - and refused.” continued Parsons.

”This coalition Government is perhaps more aligned on justice issues than any other area of policy.  Coward Punch sentencing reform should be a no-brainer.” continued Parsons.

“Sensible Sentencing Trust is respectfully calling on Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith to intervene on this important, yet repeatedly delayed sentencing reform.  An opportunity exists to make a number of important changes to the legislation at the Committee of the Whole House stage of the Bill.  We strongly urge the Minister to fast-track the necessary work to get this reform in place without further delay.  Victims and their families have already waited far too long.“ concluded Ms Parsons.