It was remarkable to see Judith Collins on the news last night arguing about the great success of private prisons internationally. I looked into this when the bill was charging through Parliament last year and almost everywhere they have been tried; the UK, Victoria, Canada and in the US they have not met financial expectations and have raised serious concerns about staff and community safety.
The latest report, in today’s NZ Herald from Florida makes the point again.
“The April report – from the Florida Centre for Fiscal and Economic Policy called ‘Are Florida’s Private Prisons Keeping Their Promises?’ – challenged claims that private prisons were 7 per cent cheaper to run and found no evidence that they were better at reducing recidivism rates. Florida’s experience with privatised prisons raises serious questions about whether the taxpayers are getting their money’s worth,” the report says.
Labour believes that incarceration should be the responsibility of the state. There are few more serious powers that a government has than taking away someone’s liberty. In addition the evidence shows that putting that responsibility in private hands, where the profit motive is the main driver, leads to cutting corners in terms of staff safety and pay and a reduced focus on rehabilitation. New Zealand needs to be focusing on how we lower our unacceptably high imprisonment rate, and look at reducing the causes of crime, not blindly following an internationally failed approach.
Rebecca says: Labour made it very clear after they lost the election in 2008 that they wanted to “reconnect” with New Zealanders. So some of us are taking them up on their word and offering how views as to why they lost and what they can do to be re-elected.”
Which is exactly why I spend time here on and off.
I make no secret of the fact that (despite my present stance) I was once a strong Labour supporter and member of the party (in the UK). I’d love to feel that my views and those of Labour were in synch again – I don’t believe in people being ripped off, but I think things work both ways and I think that people shouldn’t be ripped off for hard work and enterprise either. That difference between how I see the world and how Labour appeared to view it is how our estrangement began. And once you identify one thing you don’t like about someone you’re close to…
To me it’s like a long term relationship that was once very strong that has gone wrong, and where the ex has suggested you get together and at least try to explain to one other why you don’t love each other any more. That’s what I’m trying to do. In the end the ex might decide that the differences are now too great and there’s no way a reconciliation can take place. But at times I feel that there are lots of the ex’s friends standing nearby shouting insults when we try to talk honestly. It’s not helping the process. But then I don’t think the “friends” really want us to make up.
Spud says: I agree with you that participating in this blog is part of democracy. And how nice of Labour to provide this forum for us – thanks to all the MPs – especially Clare whose idea it was?
Hear, hear!
Yes Spud I agree it is fantastic that Labour are doing this blog and yes, kudos to Clare – she’s a good lady! I also like the moderation – it is far cry from the horrid things people are free to say on other opinion/blog sites. Apparently for some, expressing an opinion is synonymous with belittling others and dishing out personal attacks.
However, it is a huge source of frustration for me that Labour do not seem to acknowledge times have changed – the posts indicate the same old rhetoric which doesn’t give me much hope that they recognise the need for change.
I absolutely loved Phil Goff’s speed earlier in the year, but now I am getting a little antsy as the term is half over and Labour don’t seem any closer to getting back into government; unfortunately I will vote against them again unless I see some strong policy that is reflective of our current social and economic climate.
Like I have said before, I don’t care who does it, all I want is for people to be able to put food in their tummies, clothes on their back and sleep in a warm dry house that is free from violence.
I will be voting for Labour
It depends on what kind of change you are referring to, not all change is good, some change is really, really bad 
I’m glad you enjoyed Phil Goff’s speed, I wouldn’t mind a ride on the back of his bike either
Labour will release its policy when the time is right, until then we can watch the circus.
Oops, I met speech!
Yes while I too have grave reservations in terms of the hard right that is in the National Party, I also have issues with Labour’s hard left tendencies.
Time can only tell with respect to the change we have now and will see in the coming year/s.
I personally believe change can a good thing especially if you believe like I do, that the policies during Labour’s 9 year tenure were less than successful.
Bottom line we all want the same things in terms of people’s basic human rights being met.
Labour put in policies that they genuinely believed were for the benefit of our country and I believe National are doing the same.
In terms of things like the prisons, crime rates etc, considering how we are getting worse by world comparisons instead of better, is it really that bad to want to try something different? That was rhetorical btw!
Have a good weekend Master Spud – take it easy on the sauce eh
)
You have a good weekend too Ms / Miss / Mrs / Master / Mr Rebecca Dude / Babe.
– I will, I’m too tired to drink. 
If this hasn’t already been pointed out, even the Libbers, yes those that want to privatise seemingly everything are against this:
http://pc.blogspot.com/2010/04/no-to-private-prisons.html
Judith Collins is too busy giving out council places to her hubby
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz-government/news/article.cfm?c_id=144&objectid=10638698
Why isn’t someone high lighting the story of the American privately owned prison in Aussie?? Hardly any staff , massive corruption and eventually an out of control riot.
Prisons and ACC, an interesting article in the Herald this AM
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10640836
[...] As she often does Tapu Misa hits the nail on the head in her column in the Herald this morning (as noted by Tracey in the comments on an earlier post.) [...]