Positive drugs tests in prisons at record low

The number of prisoners testing positive for drugs has reached a record low. Latest figures, for the eight months to the end of February, show that only 4.3 per cent of prisoners tested positive after random drugs tests.

These figures are fantastic, and show that National’s significant investment in addiction treatment and prison security is paying off.

This is a great improvement since 2007/08, when 13 per cent of prisoners tested positive.
If we want to stop prisoners from reoffending we have to break their addictions. Since 2008, we have doubled the number of prisoners able to attend specialist drug treatment units.

National is addressing the drivers of crime and keeping our communities safe.

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Vehicle licence reform

National has announced a reform project to look into reducing compliance costs for motorists by making the vehicle licensing system simpler and more efficient. We are reviewing annual registration, warrant of fitness, and the transport services licensing systems.

The review has the potential to save millions of dollars in unnecessary costs and time for households, businesses, and the government.

National is committed to finding ways to improve economic growth, reduce costs for people living in New Zealand, and deliver services in a better way. We’re committed to getting this right and we will look closely at the recommendations of the review. You can have your say here.

Recommendations will require government approval. Announcements on any proposed changes are expected by the end of 2012.

For more information, click here.

Better local government for New Zealanders

National’s “Better Local Government” reforms are part of our programme for building a more productive, competitive economy, and better public services for New Zealanders.

Ratepayers need to know their council is spending their money wisely, on services that matter to them. New Zealand’s 78 councils spend $7.5 billion dollars of public money each year. Since 2002 council debt has quadrupled from $2 billion to $8 billion, and rates have increased 7 per cent a year.

Our reforms will focus councils on their core roles of providing local infrastructure, public services, and regulatory functions, at the least cost to households and businesses. They will make councils more fiscally responsible, strengthen council governance provisions, and streamline council reorganisation processes.

Simply put, they will give councils more tools to help keep debt down and rates affordable for our families.

For more information, click here.

Search and Surveillance Bill becomes law

National’s search and surveillance bill passed its third and final reading in Parliament this week.

The new act brings certainty, clarity and consistency to messy, unclear and outdated search and surveillance laws. It updates provisions found across 69 different acts. We now have a regime fit for the 21st century.

There are a number of safeguards in the legislation to balance law enforcement and investigation powers with human rights. We have achieved the right balance between the need for effective and modern powers, and protecting the rights of citizens.

National is delivering on our promise to provide our law enforcement officers with the tools they need to protect New Zealanders.

Helping people into work

Delivering better public services is one of National’s four key priorities for our second term, and welfare reform is a significant part of this.

National believes that those who can work should work. Getting off welfare and into work means a better life, better opportunities, and a brighter future for people and their families.

This week we introduced welfare reform legislation to Parliament that focuses on those most at risk from long-term dependency. It will target resources to help young people on benefits make better choices, encourage them to be in education or training, and budget with their weekly income. It will also require young parents to do parenting courses.

This investment will save the taxpayer and our community large costs in the longer term.
We will also require sole parents to look for part-time work when their youngest child is five, and full-time work when their youngest child is 14. We’ll ask those on the Widow’s and Women Alone benefits to work if jobs are available.

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Making energy cleaner, more renewable

New Zealand already has the second highest proportion of renewable energy in the OECD and National is committed to making further progress by reaching the goal of 90 per cent renewable energy by 2025.

This week we announced further progress towards this goal with 77 per cent of our energy being generated from renewable sources in 2011, up from 74 per cent in 2010.

National has taken action on renewable energy. We removed road user charges on electric cars, streamlined the RMA to make renewable energy projects more efficient, and developed the National Policy Statement on Renewable Electricity Generation.

These initiatives are working. In 2011 wind generation increased to 4.5 per cent of total generation and geothermal generation increased to 13.4 per cent.

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Broadband in schools rollout making great progress

This week National announced the latest schools to be connected to the ultra-fast broadband network. A further 23 schools in Hamilton, Tauranga, New Plymouth, and Whanganui will be able to be connected to the network by July.

Ultra-fast broadband in schools will revolutionise the way kids learn. Schools will be able to share scarce specialist teachers, and students will be able to take part in virtual classrooms and courses that might not be available at their own schools.

Building a more competitive and productive economy is one of National’s four key priorities and ultra-fast broadband in schools is an important part of this.

For more information, click here.