Collins Judith: Third Readings —Text is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCollins Judith: Third Readings —[Sitting date: 27 May 2014. Volume:699;Page:18369. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Justice): I moveThat the Victims’ Rights Amendment Bill the Children Young Persons and Their Families Amendment Bill (No 4) the Parole Amendment Bill (No 2) and the Sentencing Amendment Bill (No 2) be now read a third time. These four bills have been divided from the Victims of Crime Reform Bill. These bills are an additional step in the Government’s work programme to reduce the impact of crime on victims. They improve how victims of crime experience the justice system and make the system more responsive to their needs. These bills are part of an omnibus bill and strengthen existing legislation for victims of crime. They amend the Victims’ Rights Act of 2002 the Children Young Persons and Their Families Act 1989 the Parole Act 2002 and the Sentencing Act 2002.Over the last year the Government has introduced other legislation focused on protecting New Zealanders from violence and supporting victims. The Crimes Amendment Act (No 3) was enacted to strengthen offences relating to violence against children. The safety of protected people will also be increased via the Domestic Violence Amendment Act 2013. There are currently two bills before the House that are focused on the victims of serious offences. The Public Safety (Public Protection Orders) Bill which is currently before the Justice and Electoral Committee will introduce civil detention orders to protect the public from serious sexual or violent offending. The Victims’ Orders Against Violent Offenders Bill will introduce non-contact orders for victims of very serious offences. This Government has introduced specialist court service victims advisers for victims of sexual violence across New Zealand. This is funded by an offender levy that also funds another 14 entitlements and services for victims of serious offences.In my role both as a member of Parliament and before that as a lawyer I have spoken with many victims who have encountered distressing experiences as they are excluded from key parts of the justice system. I believe very firmly that courts must surely be there for the provision of justice for those who seek justice not for theproviders of services. This legislation gives victims the opportunity to be more involved in the criminal justice process and helps to ensure that they are better informed about their rights. In particular the bill makes changes to victim impact statements that will give victims greater freedom to express their feelings in their own words and allow victims of serious offences to read their statements in court. Under the legislation photographs and drawings may also be submitted in victim impact statements.The legislation increases the accountability and responsiveness of Government agencies providing services for victims. It requires agencies to deal with complaints from victims promptly and fairly. Each agency must report on the complaints they receive from victims. The legislation also requires the Ministry of Justice to develop a Victims Code. The Victims Code will provide victims with information on the services available their rights and the duties and responsibilities of Government agencies with criminal and youth justice obligations. The code will make Government agencies more accountable in their provision of services to victims of crime increase victims’ awareness of their rights and improve access to information. Meeting the needs of victims of crime is central to the Government’s objectives and direction for the justice sector. The bills divided from the Victims of Crime Reform Bill represent a significant step in improving the experience of victims as they through no fault of their own must encounter the justice system. I commend this legislation to the House.