“The projected surge in the prison population over the next decade proves we are serious about keeping the worst offenders off the streets,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.
“The Ministry of Justice’s latest 10-year forecast says the number of sentenced criminals in prison will rise one-third by 2035. Almost 2,000 more hardened criminals will be held behind bars instead of inflicting crime on the community.
“Normally, ACT rails against taxes. We make an exception because locking up crims is the best taxpayer money we’ll ever spend. Prisons only sound expensive until you imagine crims out on the streets, robbing, raping, and murdering.
“The second best money we’ll spend is making them read, write, and get a trade before letting them out. Offenders need to be straightened out permanently, and parole should depend more on rehabilitation.
“The Ministry of Justice says imprisonment will rise because of the Government’s policies. The Government’s Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Act 2025, will shift some offenders from community-based sentences to prison sentences. ACT’s Three Strikes law which will mean longer sentences for criminals with eligible previous offences. Those are the changes that even the public service admits will put more crims behind bars.
“The Government is sending a clear message. The days of cuddling crims, and Labour’s goal of fewer prisoners in jail, are long gone. If you break the law, expect to be locked away for a long time.”
