ACT’s proposed amendment to parole legislation aims to enforce compulsory completion of rehabilitative programmes for parole eligibility, aligning with their agenda of “restoring law and order”.
However, the changes may exacerbate existing problems within the justice system and lead to longer periods in prison, particularly due to systemic issues such as inadequate resourcing and access to rehabilitation programs.
Concerns have been raised about the potential disproportionate impact on Māori communities and the effectiveness of the amendment without addressing underlying issues.
UC PhD candidate in Criminal Justice Laura Johnstone discusses this topic based on her research on The Conversation: read the article.
Disclosure statement
Laura Johnstone is a member of People Against Prisons Aotearoa and a Board Member of Just Speak.
