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David Unwin / Things
Former New Zealand First MP Darroch Ball is the new co-head of the Sensible Sentencing Trust.
Former New Zealand MP Darroch Ball has appointed his co-chair and spokesperson for the Sensible Sentencing Trust.
Ball will share the role with Jess McVicar, daughter of the trust’s founder, Garth McVicar.
Ball served two terms in Parliament as an MP for the Palmerston North-based NZ First list, but was not returned after the party did not get enough votes in October elections.
He is now running in a by-election for a seat on the Palmerston North City Council that was sparked by the election of former Deputy Mayor Tangi Utikere as the city’s Labor MP in October.
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The trust is a long-established national organization that advocates for crime victims, influences political direction, and promotes public awareness of legal changes.
Ball said it was important to have a strong public voice for crime victims and a mechanism to work with the government to develop legal changes for the community.
“It is equally important to be a voice that challenges any legislation or policy that directly affects the safety of the community. It has been worrying to see the active intentions of the current government to relax the laws in this area.
“We have already seen increases in the number of gangs, firearm crimes, crime victims, and serious issues highlighted within our prison system, all of which should be red flags in the direction our country is headed.
“[The trust] It will give the public a strong, consistent and strong voice advocating for the development of positive law and order policies, advocating for crime victims and continuing to challenge any law changes that endanger the safety of the community.
Jess McVicar said she was delighted that Ball was joining the team.
“He brings a lot of knowledge with him, not only in the political arena, but also in understanding the importance of community safety.
“We are seeing some alarming statistics on law and order and we know they are likely to get worse. We understand that [the trust] it is needed now more than ever, so we do not hesitate to have Darroch as a co-leader and spokesperson. “
