JUDITH COLLINS MP for Papakura - News

MMP changes impossible without agreement

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:29:47 +1200

Justice Minister Judith Collins says the fact that political parties cannot agree makes it impossible to make any changes to our MMP voting system.

“Opposition parties have said the Government is deliberately ignoring the recommendations of the Electoral Commission. This is simply not true – all parties have their own agendas and have selected which recommendations they will support, and which they won’t.

“All parties in Parliament are responsible to the public on the Electoral Commission’s review of MMP.

“I have consulted with all those parties, and there is absolutely no consensus, or even a majority, across Parliament.

“It is a simple fact that it is impossible to introduce and pass legislation if it does not have a majority in the House. To suggest otherwise, as Labour and the Greens have done, is misleading the public.

“Enduring change to electoral law should be based as much as possible, on consensus.

“So far, all parties have played a role in ensuring there is no consensus, and therefore there will be no changes to MMP,” Ms Collins says.

Bill to protect Public Trust introduced

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:08:00 +1200

Justice Minister Judith Collins today introduced to Parliament a bill to shield the Public Trust from wearing the costs of having to step in to replace the trustees of failed finance companies.

Ms Collins says an out-dated ‘last resort’ rule in the Trustee Act (1956) means the trustees of failed finance companies can apply to the High Court to have the Public Trust replace them, without Public Trust’s agreement.

“We are changing the law because of the risk a potential precedent could be set by a case due to be heard in the High Court early next month,” Ms Collins says.

“It’s simply not acceptable for trustees who wish to retire or resign, to pass their responsibilities to the Public Trust, and the taxpayer, with huge and unrecoverable costs.”

take over the role of determining the replacement trustee for investment products regulated by the Bill.

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New law protects jurors, improves jury system

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:46:00 +1200

An Act protecting the safety and privacy of jurors and streamlining the jury system takes effect today.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says the Juries (Jury Service and Protection of Particulars of Jury List Information) Amendment Act brings much needed changes to the jury system.

“Jury service is an important civic duty and those who are summoned deserve to feel safe,” Ms Collins says.

“The new Act puts jurors’ safety and privacy first by tightening access to jurors’ information and introducing provisions to make the jury process more efficient.”

The Government moved to restrict access to jurors’ personal details after convicted murderer George Baker wrote to a juror whose name he saw on a list while representing himself in a trial.

Jurors’ address information will be removed from the jury panel list and can only be viewed by eligible people – for example Police prosecutors, lawyers for the Crown, or lawyers appointed by the court to inspect the information on behalf of defendants who are representing themselves.

The Act also streamlines the jury system. Instead of requesting to be excused from jury duty each time they are summoned, people may now apply to be permanently excused from service due to disability or for health reasons. People aged over 65 who so request must also be permanently excused.

“Every year on average 22,000 people over 65 are excused from jury service,” Ms Collins says.

“The new Act helps address the stress and inconvenience the current process causes many people and allows for a more efficient, less troublesome process both for people seeking to be excused and for court staff.”

Family Court changes support priorities for reform

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:45:00 +1200

Modifications to the proposed Family Court reforms support the Government’s key priorities and will ensure the family justice system works well for those who need it, says Justice Minister Judith Collins.

“This Government has three priorities driving the reform of the Family Court - we are committed to creating a Court that protects vulnerable people, provides fast and efficient resolution of private disputes, and as a priority, puts the needs of children first.

“This is a solid basis for reforming the Court and our proposed policy direction is the right one.

“I have listened carefully to feedback on the reforms during the select committee process.

“I am very pleased Cabinet has agreed to incorporate some of the feedback and make changes to our proposals that better support the three priorities driving our reforms.

“This is exactly what the select committee process is for and I thank those who have been involved,” Ms Collins says.

Proposed changes are to:

• provide up to four hours of legal support for parents who meet the legal aid threshold prior to court
• provide up to three hours of preparatory counselling to help parents make the most of Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)
• enable a judge to refer parties back to FDR or the Parenting through Separation course if it is likely to help resolve the case, and
• enable lawyers to participate earlier in the court process, at the judge’s discretion, if it would increase the chances of a successful resolution.

“The Family Court has not worked as well as it should for some families for many years and that’s why we’re changing it.

“Our family justice system must protect vulnerable people, provide fast and efficient resolution of private disputes, and put the needs of children first,” Ms Collins says.

The proposed changes will be included in the departmental report on the Family Court Reform Bill for consideration by the Justice and Electoral Select Committee.

More information about the Family Court reforms is available from www.justice.govt.nz.

Appointment of members of the Real Estate Agents Authority

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:43:00 +1200

Justice Minister Judith Collins today announced the reappointment of five members of the Real Estate Agents Authority and the appointment of one new member.

Those reappointed to the Authority are:

• John Auld of New Plymouth
• Barrie Barnes of Auckland
• Denise Bovaird of Auckland
• Joan Harnett-Kindley of Wanaka
• David Russell of Wellington

The new appointee to the Authority is Aaron Bhatnagar of Auckland.

Mr Bhatnagar runs his own management consultancy and is an experienced investment manager having managed an extensive property portfolio. Mr Bhatnagar replaces Peter McDermott who will leave the Authority on 3 May 2013.

In announcing the appointment, Ms Collins acknowledged the work the Authority has done over the last three years in establishing itself as the regulatory body for the real estate industry. She also acknowledged the contribution outgoing member Mr McDermott has made to that work.

The Authority was created by the Real Estate Agents Act 2008. That Act significantly reformed the regulation of the real estate industry with a consumer protection focus which shifted regulatory responsibility away from the industry to independent bodies.

Collins to study at Harvard Kennedy School

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:42:00 +1200

Justice Minister Judith Collins has been invited to study at the prestigious John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and will join its Leadership Decision Making program from 23-28 June.

Ms Collins says the week long course presents a valuable opportunity to work alongside a diverse and accomplished group of leaders from around the world.

“This is a fantastic opportunity I am thrilled to accept. I am a firm believer in the significant contribution continued learning makes to leadership.

“I am very much looking forward to being immersed in what will be a challenging and stimulating learning experience,” Ms Collins says.

The Harvard Kennedy School offers programs for leaders from around the world. Courses bring together experienced professionals and a world-renowned faculty in a setting where the common denominator is a shared commitment to public value.

In the past year, course participants hailed from 126 countries and included 3 ambassadors, 11 ministers, 6 mayors, 10 permanent secretaries and more than 50 United States legislators.

Crime & reoffending down with BPS on target

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:17:59 +1200

Justice Minister Judith Collins today released the latest justice sector Better Public Services (BPS) target results to December 2012, showing significant progress is being made against each target.

Ms Collins says results show there has been a 9 per cent reduction in total crime rate (down from 983 to 891 crimes per 10,000 people) and a 7 per cent reduction in violent crime (down from 109 to 102 crimes per 10,000 people).

Youth crime is also down 14 per cent (down from 332 to 286 per 10,000 young people) and re-offending is down by 8 per cent.

“I am thrilled these latest results show the sector is on track to meet all its 2017 BPS targets. In the case of youth crime, the sector has already exceeded its target – 4 years early.

“Fewer people are being affected by serious and violent crime, and fewer criminals are going on to reoffend. This is what delivering better public services for New Zealanders is all about.

“Our results show how well the entire justice sector is working together to deliver a safer New Zealand. I would like thank the Ministry of Justice, Police, and Corrections for all their excellent work,” Ms Collins says.

BPS targets for the justice sector are to reduce the total recorded crime rate by 15 per cent, the recorded violent crime rate by 20 per cent, the youth crime rate by 5 per cent and the reoffending rate by 25 per cent by 2017.

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100 year old court legislation in for overhaul

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:22:00 +1200

Justice Minister Judith Collins has today unveiled the Government’s proposals towards modernising the legal framework for many of New Zealand’s courts.

The proposals are in response to recommendations made by the Law Commission in its recent report Review of the Judicature Act 1908: Towards a new Courts Act.

Ms Collins says the changes will help enhance public confidence in the justice system.

“These changes are important because they will improve the flexibility, responsiveness and transparency of the court system.

“The Judicature Act, the District Courts Act and the Supreme Court Act provide much of the legislative framework for our courts system. But the Judicature Act was put in place more than 100 years ago. Over that time, it has been amended often and other related Acts have been put in place alongside it.

“As a result, understanding the arrangements and set-up of our courts is unnecessarily difficult. That’s why we’re changing this outdated and inaccessible legislation,” Ms Collins says.

The Government plans to make a number of changes to courts legislation including:

• replacing the Judicature Act and Supreme Court Act with a Senior Courts Act

• repealing the District Courts Act and re-enacting it as a modernised District Court Act

• taking steps to improve and clarify rights to access court record information, for example, statistical information about court cases and expenditure

• making the processes and criteria for appointing judges more transparent by requiring the judicial selection and recommendation process to be published by the Attorney-General

• enabling specialist panels of judges to be assigned to hear particular types of cases in the High Court

• improving flexibility for the court to limit vexatious proceedings, and

• extending the District Court’s jurisdiction to allow it to deal with civil cases where the amount in dispute is up to $350,000, rather than the current threshold of $200,000.

“Work on clarifying access to court record information will allow the Ministry of Justice to produce more aggregate information on court and judicial performance, improving transparency.

“The Government is still considering whether publishing lists of reserved judgments is the most appropriate approach. We are continuing to consult with the judiciary, and are reviewing how overseas jurisdictions report reserved judgements.

“Modernising the legislation underpinning our key courts is one of a number of changes this Government is making towards a more modern, accessible, people-centred justice system.

“These changes complement the other transformational initiatives already underway including changes to criminal procedure, a new courts service delivery model, and reforming the Family Court,” Ms Collins says.

The Government will introduce a new Courts Bill to implement the changes later this year.

EEO Commissioner appointed

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:18:50 +1200

Justice Minister Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Dr Jackie Blue as the Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Commissioner.

“I congratulate Dr Blue on her appointment as EEO Commissioner for the Human Rights Commission,” Ms Collins says.

“The EEO Commissioner has an important role to play in championing EEO principles, issues and practices in New Zealand as well as appreciating their relationship to social, economic and labour market trends.

“Dr Blue is committed to human rights and equity issues and is currently the Chair of three cross-party groups in Parliament. I’m confident she will be a very capable Commissioner.”

Dr Blue will be leaving Parliament to take up her new position. She will assume office on 4 June 2013.

Biography

Dr Blue holds a BSc from the University of Auckland and gained her MB ChB from Auckland Medical School in 1983. She came to prominence in the medical sector as a pioneering breast physician and, in 1992, was a founding member of the St Marks Women’s Health Centre. Dr Blue entered Parliament as a list MP in 2005 and has since held a number of roles including membership of the Health Committee (2005 to 2008).

She is currently the Chair of three cross-party groups in Parliament – New Zealand Parliamentarian’s Group on Population and Development, Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians and Parliamentarians for Global Action. Dr Blue is also a member of the Justice & Electoral Committee and Deputy Chairperson of the Health Committee.

Baroness Thatcher mourned

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:42:50 +1200

Justice Minister Judith Collins has today paid tribute to the late former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

“Baroness Thatcher was a highly intelligent, brave, formidable woman who led Britain from what were very difficult times to greater prosperity and economic certainty,” Ms Collins says.

“She was Britain’s first, and remains the only, female Prime Minister, a wife and doting mother and grandmother.

“I respect her for being a woman of conviction who stood firmly for individuals, families and for Britain.

“Today our thoughts are with Baroness Thatcher’s family, friends and with all of Britain as they mourn the passing of a most courageous and inspirational icon.”

Minister welcomes Law Commission report

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:17:05 +1300

Justice Minister Judith Collins today tabled in Parliament the Law Commission’s report The 2013 Review of the Evidence Act 2006.

“I would like to thank the Law Commission for its thorough review of the Evidence Act 2006,” Ms Collins said.

The review builds on the earlier work that resulted in the 2006 Act. The new report provides a comprehensive summary of the evolution and interpretation of the law of evidence in New Zealand.

“I am pleased to report that the Law Commission has concluded that the Evidence Act has overwhelmingly met its objectives,” Ms Collins said.

“The Commission has recommended a number of amendments to improve the operation of the Act. I will carefully consider these recommendations.”

The Government will formally respond to the Law Commission’s recommendations later this year.

Time's up for cyber bullies

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:09:53 +1300

Justice Minister Judith Collins has announced a raft of new proposals to hold cyber bullies to account for their bullying and harmful online behaviour.

“I am pleased to have developed a set of measures that aim to stop the growing incidence of cyber bullying and its devastating effects, particularly for young people.

“Many New Zealanders share my serious concerns about this problem as the reach and impact of bullying has increased considerably in the digital age.

“Tormenters are able to harass their targets 24 hours a day, seven days a week, wherever they go, and the trail of abuse lives on in cyberspace, following victims for years.

“These new measures send a clear message to cyber bullies: Time’s up. Your behaviour is not acceptable,” Ms Collins says.

New proposals to protect victims of cyber bullying and hold perpetrators to account include:

• Creating a new civil enforcement regime that includes setting up or appointing an approved agency as the first port of call for complaints.

• Allowing people to take serious complaints to the District Court, which will be able to issue sanctions such as take-down orders and cease-and-desist notices.

• Making it an offence to send messages and post material online that is grossly offensive, indecent, obscene, menacing or knowingly false, punishable by up to 3 months imprisonment or a $2,000 fine.

• Creating a new offence of incitement to commit suicide, even in situations when a person does not attempt to take their own life, punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment.

• Amending the Harassment, Privacy and Human Rights Acts to ensure they are up-to-date for digital communications. In some cases, existing laws were written before cell phones, instant messaging devices and social networking websites became common communication channels.

Ms Collins says the proposed new approved agency will help people get the support they need to stop cyber bullying quickly.

“People needing help will get fast support including liaison with website hosts and ISPs to request takedown or moderation of clearly offensive posts.

“The agency will also be able to investigate and resolve complaints directly, with the most serious complaints being referred by the agency to the District Court which can issue take-down orders and cease-and-desist notices.

“Our new anti-cyber bullying proposals protect victims and hold perpetrators to account. No one should ever be subject to this kind of cowardly attack - now with the right support and modern laws in place, victims will no longer have to suffer,” Ms Collins says.

A bill giving effect to the changes will be introduced to Parliament to be passed later this year.

Collins tables report on regulation of news media

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:54:37 +1300

Justice Minister Judith Collins has tabled in Parliament today the Law Commission’s report on regulation of the news media in the digital age.

The report, The News Media Meets ‘New Media’: Rights, Responsibilities and Regulation in the Digital Age, provides the Law Commission’s recommendations for updating laws regulating our media for the digital era.

The Government will examine the report’s recommendations and seek views from the media industry before formally responding to the report later this year.

“The news media plays a vital role in our democracy. It is important it operates as freely as possible, while maintaining the traditional journalistic values of accuracy and fair reporting.

“However, many of the laws governing media regulations, freedoms and protections pre-date the digital era.

Nowadays, virtually anyone with a computer and an internet connection can publish and spread news and opinion,” Ms Collins says.

Meanwhile, the Government is already considering recommendations by the Law Commission to address harmful digital communications. The topic was originally part of the new media review, but Ms Collins asked the Law Commission to fast-track that work, due to concerns about cyber-bullying.

“I thank the Law Commission for its work and analysis in a topical and challenging area,” Ms Collins says.

Conviction, sentencing stats show crime down

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:52:29 +1300

Statistics released by the Ministry of Justice today show the number of people being charged in court has reduced by more than 20 per cent since 2009, Justice Minister Judith Collins says.

The Conviction and Sentencing Statistics, published on the Statistics New Zealand website, show 98,783 people appeared in court in 2012, down 7 per cent from 2011 and 22 per cent from 2009.

The Child and Youth Prosecution Statistics, also published today, show the rate of children and young people being charged in court is the lowest in 20 years and down 40 per cent since 2007 to 3,018.

“These figures confirm what we already know – that crime is falling and New Zealand is becoming a safer place to live.

“The results show that this government’s strong commitment to making our communities safer is working,” Ms Collins says.

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New Zealand celebrates Race Relations Day

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:12:00 +1300

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins says this year’s Race Relations Day gives all New Zealanders opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate our nation’s ethnic diversity.

“The theme for Race Relations Day 2013 is ‘My Dream for Aotearoa’,” Ms Collins says.

“I want a New Zealand where every citizen is respected, valued and treated fairly. Regardless of a person’s race, colour or ethnic background, every New Zealander deserves a fair go.”

Race Relations Day is New Zealand’s equivalent of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, commemorating the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa in 1960.

In 1968 the United Nations dedicated the anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre to achieving the goals of the Convention for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD).

Ms Collins says New Zealand’s commitment to the Convention mirrors the natural desire in every New Zealander to see that everyone is given a fair go.

“New Zealand values diversity and prides itself on being an inclusive society.

“Earlier this year I presented New Zealand’s report on our progress at tackling racial discrimination and inequality to CERD in Geneva.

“I’m pleased to say the Committee noted our efforts represented many examples of best practice globally to which many nations aspire.

“Today we celebrate New Zealand’s diversity, reaffirm our commitment to harnessing the potential of all our ethnic Kiwis and acknowledge the positive contribution they make to the best little country in the world.”