NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) : The heart of what we are debating today is public safety. As someone who has returned from London, I say that the previous Labour Government has made New Zealand less safe. I say as a young woman who walks the streets of central Auckland that New Zealand is not the place it once was. That is why I stand to speak today and am proud to support this legislation.

I want to deal with a couple of things. The first is that at the heart of this Bail Amendment Bill we are dealing with risk—the level of risk. Phil Goff stood up before and said that this bill is just window dressing. I make the point that clearly he did not think that in 2007, because why else would he have passed legislation changing the law? So, yes, he is reversing his position, and I think he needs to stand up and explain why he is doing that.

The second point is that a number of reputable organisations believe that as a result of this law change it has been easier for people to get bail, and we need to acknowledge those organisations’ concerns. The New Zealand Law Society, the Police Association, the Police Prosecution Service, and a number of High Court judges have all said that it has been easier to get bail as a result of that law change. I stand here and say that we should be listening to those organisations. They know what they are talking about. The Labour Opposition might not, but they do. We should be listening to those organisations that believe that the law passed by Labour in 2007 has meant it is easier for people to get bail.

The third point I want to make today is to ask those members opposite that if they do not believe this legislation is making any change whatsoever, then why are they supporting it?

Hon Annette King: Because it makes no difference.

NIKKI KAYE: Exactly—why are they standing here supporting the legislation if they think it makes no difference? I will tell them why. They know very well that they changed the law and made it easier for people to get bail. New Zealand is a less safe place as a result of 9 years of a Labour Government.

I am proud to stand here and to be part of a Government that believes in making New Zealand a safer place for all New Zealanders—like my constituents in Auckland Central—so they can walk the streets. New Zealand will be a safer place, and I am proud to be part of a National Government that is serious about protecting the public.