- By Parmjeet Parmar, Pakuranga-based ACT List MP
Running a small business is hard work. It takes long hours, personal sacrifice, and a lot of risk.
Across Auckland and around the country, I’ve met dairy owners, liquor store operators, and petrol station workers who feel unsafe at work.
Many came to New Zealand for a better life, but have found themselves forced to spend thousands of dollars on fog cannons, roller doors, and other expensive security measures.
Ram-raids, smash-and-grab robberies, and violent assaults on shopkeepers became all too common under the previous Government.
Labour tried being kind to criminals and hoped they’d be kind back. Meanwhile, victims were left paying the price.
That’s why ACT has fought so hard to restore rights for victims and consequences for criminals.
One of the latest changes is new sentencing rules that have finally come into effect.
They’ll mean longer prison sentences for any criminals who target people working alone, or in a business connected to their home
It’s a practical change that sends a clear signal: if you attack someone working alone, expect to face serious consequences.
This fulfils ACT coalition commitments and is just one part of a wider effort to restore law and order and support victims of crime.
We’ve also made changes to stop the culture excuses from criminals.
Sentence discounts have been limited and offenders can no longer get repeat sentence discounts by claiming youth or remorse.
Being young or saying “sorry” is no longer a free pass for repeat offenders.
We’re also encouraging cumulative sentencing. That means when someone commits a crime while on bail, parole, or even while in prison, their sentences can be added together, rather than served at the same time.
It’s a simple but important change that ensures people who continue to offend face proper accountability.
Perhaps most importantly, we’re putting victims at the heart of the justice system.
Judges must now properly consider the needs and interests of victims at sentencing.
Small business owners deserve to feel safe. They deserve a justice system that works for them and keeps the worst of the worst locked behind bars.
Paired with wider reforms in this space, this will make a significant difference in restoring law and order and putting your safety first.
