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Labour’s Criminal Records (Clean Slate, Additional Eligibility) Amendment Bill has passed its first reading unanimously.
This is an important step towards giving more New Zealanders a genuine second chance, Labour MP Tangi Utikere says.
“My Member’s Bill will modernise the Clean Slate Act so more people who have turned their lives around can access jobs, housing and other opportunities without being permanently defined by historic, low-level offending.
“The Clean Slate scheme was designed to help people move on from minor offending, but too many New Zealanders are still being held back by barriers that no longer make sense.
“This is about rehabilitation, not relitigating the past. Stable employment and housing are among the strongest factors in reducing reoffending. If we are serious about tackling crime, we should remove unnecessary barriers for people who have earned a fresh start.
“Passing the first reading with the support of all parties in Parliament is an important milestone. The select committee process will now give New Zealanders, community organisations, legal experts and employers the chance to have their say before the House considers the Bill further,” he adds.
“This Bill is about recognising that people can change, and ensuring our laws reflect that. There is more work to do, but today we have taken an important step towards a fairer and more effective Clean Slate regime.”
