It had not been my intention to take a call in this debate. However, I feel honour-bound to stand up and respond to some of the comments that came from the Labour member Raymond Huo.
Mr Huo seems to think that if he continues to repeat a mistruth, it might somehow gain credence in this Chamber and in this community. In addressing the Committee, Mr Huo talked about the internationally failed ideas of the “three strikes and you’re out” legislation. Those were his words. He also said that he did not know how to describe it. Well, if Mr Huo does not know how to describe it, I would be very happy to explain it to him.
Hon Steve Chadwick: I raise a point of order, Mr Chairperson. It would be nice if members tried to pronounce names correctly. That is not the correct pronunciation. The pronunciation is “Haw”.
JOHN BOSCAWEN: Speaking to the point of order—
The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Rick Barker): There is no point of order. Would the member just continue with his speech.
JOHN BOSCAWEN: Thank you, and my apologies to Mr Huo.
The member said he did not know how to describe the “three strikes and you’re out” legislation. Let me just explain. ACT’s “three strikes” bill is not a failed idea. It seeks to clamp down on criminals in New Zealand who commit serious violent crimes on a repeated basis—on a repeated basis. The people of New Zealand do not need to be protected from shoplifters or petty burglars. They need to be protected from people who commit serious violent crime. When Parliament starts to look at the victims of crime and addresses how we make society safer, we will start to make progress in society. The way the “three strikes” bill will operate—as proposed by the ACT Party—is that if a person commits a serious violent crime, he or she will be sentenced for whatever term the court awards—
The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Rick Barker): The member has had ample time to respond to what I think was a passing comment made by Mr Huo. This debate is about another bill; this is not an opportunity to speak up about other aspects of the ACT Party policy. I invite the member to address the bill, please.
JOHN BOSCAWEN: I will conclude my remarks by just saying that I was not prepared to sit here and have a mistruth go unchallenged. Thank you.