Labour MP to take proposed members' bill on stalking to caucus

April 19, 2024

The bill, to be introduced by Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence spokesperson Ginny Andersen, would likely include adding a stalking offence with a punishment of imprisonment. (Source: Breakfast)

Labour Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence spokesperson Ginny Andersen is proposing to introduce a members' bill to include stalking as an offence to caucus "as soon as possible."

Under her proposal, revealed on Breakfast today, stalkers could face prison time of between 12 months and three years.

There would be stronger penalties if the person has possession of a weapon, and for those who engage in behaviour of stalking a victim or loitering near a person’s home or work with intent to intimidate.

Andersen's proposals on the campaign trail had the support of four parties, including National.

It comes after the police's handling of AUT law student Farzana Yaqubi's multiple complaints about her stalker, who would later kill her, were deemed "inadequate" by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) yesterday.

Yaqubi, 21, was murdered in December 2022 just metres from her home by a man she had made multiple complaints to police about.

Andersen said New Zealand's stalking laws were behind other jurisdictions like Australia and the United Kingdom.

"There is not enough action being taken to prevent instances which have happened."

Current harassment laws are not strong enough due to "multiple cases on a daily basis where women are in danger," she said.

"There's also strong support for this from family violence and sexual violence prevention organisations.

"They believe having a specific offence would help isolate this behaviour. it's common, particularly in relationship that have broken down, and particularly affecting women where a male partner is continually going back to them and making their life an absolute misery."

Identifying and classifying this as an offence gives stronger powers to women and advocacy groups to keep vulnerable people out of harm's way, she said.

Andersen said she was "really hopeful" for bipartisan support on the bill.

There would be stronger penalties if the person has possession of a weapon, and for those who engage in behaviour of stalking a victim or loitering near a person’s home or work with intent to intimidate.

"Those conversations need to take place, but [Police Minister] Mark Mitchell and Goldsmith are both on record saying they would do this if they are the Government, and I will be asking them to stick to their word on this one."

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith told 1News in a statement that New Zealand's stalking and harassment laws would be something the Government would review "in due course."

"However, right now I am focused on restoring law and order and the legislation that will give police new tools to crack down on violent offenders, and criminal gangs."

Once a members' bill has been drawn there is no guarantee it will pass.

The vast majority of members' bills may not make it to law — or even pass their first reading (the first of three votes to progress a bill), to select committee. A government can also veto a members' bill, if, in that their view, the proposal would have "more than a minor impact" on the government's fiscals should it become law.

SHARE ME

More Stories