The coalition Government will establish a Ministerial Advisory Group for victims of retail crime, with advocate Sunny Kaushal as its chairman.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee made the announcement today at a dairy in Auckland's Ellerslie.
Goldsmith said New Zealand had seen an exponential growth in retail crime over the last five years, with an 86% increase in retail crime of all types and a 72% increase in sexual assault-related offences at retail locations.
"Around 230,000 New Zealanders work in the retail sector, with increasing numbers experiencing the personal and economic impacts of violent and theft-related crimes.
"The new Ministerial Advisory Group will engage directly with victims, workers, business owners, retail experts and advocacy groups over the next two years to provide the Government specific proposals to address urgent challenges in retail crime."
ACT MP McKee said the coalition Government would run a "targeted expression of interest process" to ensure the group had the right combination of skills and experience to make it effective.
"Sunny Kaushal has been appointed chair. He brings a wealth of experience already as chair of the Dairy and Business Owners Group, and president of the Crime Prevention Group.
"This group will help ensure there are 20,000 fewer victims of violent crime by 2029 and reduce serious youth offending by 15%," McKee said.
"We are committed to restoring law and order to New Zealand and ensuring that every Kiwi feels safe in their home, business, and community.
"I look forward to the insights the advisory group will bring and trust they will provide evidence-backed suggestions and recommendations to support victims and stop offenders."
'Saying you'll be tough doesn't stop crime' — Labour
The Opposition responded to the Government announcement with scepticism, saying the money could be better spent on prevention.
"National’s campaign was about tackling crime and the best they can do is a two-year long Ministerial Advisory Group," Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said.
“A Ministerial Advisory Group is not an urgent solution to an urgent problem. That $3.6 million could be spent on crime prevention, supporting victims, rehabilitation and stopping reoffending right now.
“Just saying you’ll be tough on crime doesn't stop crime. We need evidence-based solutions that work, so it’s time to stop playing politics and start working together to build a safer community.”
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