This member's bill creates an obligation on the Corrections Chief Executive and prison managers to protect people subject to a protection order, and victims of crime, from contact by prisoners. It was enacted as the Corrections (Victim Protection) Amendment Act 2024.
This bill amends corrections law to place a clear duty on the Chief Executive of the Department of Corrections and on prison managers to protect certain people from unwanted contact by prisoners. Specifically, it requires Corrections to take steps to prevent prisoners contacting people who hold a protection order against them, and victims of crime. In practice this targets things like unwanted letters, phone calls or messages sent from prison. It mainly affects victims of crime and protection-order holders, prisoners whose outgoing contact may be restricted, and the Department of Corrections, which must operate the safeguards.
It originated as a member's bill (a proposal introduced by an individual MP rather than the Government). Supporters argue victims should not have to endure distressing or intimidating contact from the very people imprisoned for harming them, and that a positive legal duty makes protection more reliable. Possible concerns include how Corrections practically monitors and screens communications, the resourcing required, and balancing protection against prisoners' legitimate contact with family and legal advisers.
See the Parliament.nz ↗ site for the full bill.