GANGS, SCHOOLS, FAST-TRACK BILL: GOVERNMENT REVEALS LATEST QUARTERLY ACTION PLAN
The coalition Government's latest Action Plan, unveiled on Monday afternoon, will focus on "making Kiwis safer", says Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
The Q3 (third quarter) plan, which is for the three months from July 1 to September 30, includes 40 actions targeted at rebuilding the economy, delivering improved public services and infrastructure, and restoring law and order, Luxon said in a statement accompanying the plan.
"The Government I lead is one of action and we are already making meaningful changes that will keep Kiwis safe in their homes, workplaces and communities," he said.
"This includes passing four laws that will crack down on criminal activity and support offenders to turn their lives around."
Before the end of the Q3 Action Plan, the Government is aiming to pass laws that will give Police "tough powers" to target gangs by restricting their ability to associate and banning gang patches in public; giving Police more power to prohibit firearms; increasing access to rehabilitation for prisoners on remand; and improving efficiency in the courts. These laws include the likes of the Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill, the Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Amendment Bill, the Corrections Amendment Bill, and the Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill.
"In addition to these laws coming into effect, the Government will introduce legislation to toughen up sentencing and ensure there are real consequences for crime, while also launching a military-style academy pilot for serious and young offenders," the Prime Minister said.
"We are also taking steps to keep Kiwis safer on our roads and will introduce legislation to enable roadside testing for drug driving.
"Improving education outcomes remains a key part of the plan. The Q3 plan sees the opening of applications for new or converted charter schools, releasing a draft of new English and maths curriculum and continuing initiatives to improve school attendance.
"Also prominent in our Q3 agenda are actions to deliver high-quality infrastructure that will drive economic growth, boost productivity, and enhance our way of life. This includes passing legislation on our Local Water Done Well policy to deliver financially sustainable water services, opening the $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund, and making Cabinet decisions on sensible changes to the fast-track consenting programme.
"My Government is committed to delivering for New Zealanders which has been demonstrated by the success of the 100-day Plan and Q2 Action Plan. Kiwis expect us to continue the momentum and I am determined to do so."
Other actions targeting law and order in the plan include launching a military-style academy pilot for serious and persistent young offenders, introducing legislation to toughen sentencing rules, and taking Cabinet decisions on proposed improvements to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML-CFT) regime.
Actions targeting public services include publishing an updated health workforce plan to address staffing needs across the health system; releasing an initial plan for progressing health targets, including faster cancer treatment, shorter wait times, and improved immunisation for children; introducing a second phase of initiatives to lift school attendance; and introducing legislation to tighten controls on youth vaping.
The Government also plans to begin rolling out community 'job coaches' to find work for 18-to-24-year-old Jobseekers, as well as finalising the framework to strengthen the oversight of Oranga Tamariki.
The coalition is also aiming to begin public consultation on the reform of the Holidays Act this quarter. It was announced last month that the Government was looking at changing to a pro-rata system, signalling possible major changes for part-time workers' sick leave.
The changes could include switching annual leave from an entitlement system to an accrual system and pro-rating sick leave.
2024-07-01T04:19:17Z dg43tfdfdgfd