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NZAAHD opposes the bill as it stands.
We support the attempt made through the Bill to increase assistance for youth offenders especially the most serious and persistent young offenders, but question the efficacy of the proposed measures.
We wholly oppose the lowering of the age of criminal responsibility.
We are also opposed to the sentencing, closer supervision orders in the Bill.
Read the NZAAHD Submission here
UNICEF NZ
Treating children as criminals 'backward step'
Sad Day for Human rights in New Zealand
Media Coverage
Morning Report Fri, 26 February
12 and 13 year olds can now face Youth Court
The Youth Court has been given tougher penalties to deal with young offenders. (duration:5′06″)Download: Ogg Vorbis MP3
TVNZ - 25 Feb 2010
Parliament has passed legislation bringing the most significant changes to the youth justice system since its inception in 1989.
The new law means serious child offenders, aged 12 and 13, will now come under the jurisdiction of the Youth Court.
It also means that court now has the ability to double the length of sentences and significantly extend the duration of care and protection orders.
The legislation includes military-style training camps and extending Youth Court powers to be able to put in place parenting, education and drug and alcohol programmes. Read More>>
Fresh Start for serious youth offenders
(Govt press release) 25 FEBRUARY, 2010
"Fresh Start legislation targeting the country's most persistent, serious young offenders with a range of tough new measures has now become law," says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.
Read full release >>
NZ Parliament:
First Reading 18 February 2009
Ayes 69 Noes 59
Social Services Select Committee Full report text [PDF 975k]
Second Reading 10 February 2010
Ayes 64 Noes 58
Parliamentary Debates - In Committee 16 February 2010
Parliamentary Debates - In Committee 17 February 2010
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