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The Government has been accused of not being tough enough on gangs, but the Justice Minister indicated last night that tougher options would be considered as long as they were feasible.
New Zealand First's law and order spokesman, Ron Mark, launched a blistering attack on Labour's handling of
gang issues, following the gang-related driveby shooting.
He accused the party of not being hard enough on gangs, and said he had asked Police Minister Annette King on numerous occasions why the Government would not support passing anti-gang legislation.
"They're soft, they pussyfoot around."
Mr Mark - whose party has a confidence and supply agreement to support Labour - said he would seek an urgent meeting with Mrs King.
The Police Minister is set to receive a briefing about the Wanganui incident from Police Commissioner Howard Broad this morning.
Prime Minister Helen Clark questioned today whether an outright ban on gangs would be effective.
Miss Clark also told TVNZ's Breakfast programme that even a ban on gang regalia might not be practical.
"The problem then is what you define as a gang patch -- you'll outlaw one lot then the next will come along and the lawyers will argue, 'well that's not a patch at all'," she said.
"I think if you legislate, it's got to be effective. At the end of the day we've got laws as good and strong, I'd suggest, as other western democracies, but like all western democracies we have a criminal element and that criminal element causes the rest of us an incredible amount of grief."
Justice Minister Mark Burton last night directed officials to pull together a report for ministers on what is being done around gangs and organised crime, and what other options might be available.
He indicated to the Herald that the Government was willing to consider tougher options, as long as they were feasible and could work.
"If there are options available that aren't yet being pursued in terms of organised crime, then let's hear about them," he said.
Mr Burton also defended the Government's handling of gangs, and pointed to legislation now before a select committee as evidence of what was being done to cut the flow of cash into the organisations.
The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Bill provides a framework for the confiscation of property from people who have engaged in or profited from criminal activity, as well as the reduction of resources that could potentially be used for criminal activities.
Public submissions on the bill are open until May 16, and Mr Burton said that if anyone had an idea with merit then they should propose it through that process.
The shooting of the 2-year-old was a "terrible tragedy" which made people angry, including himself, Mr Burton said.
"But we have to look at what's actually effective, that's our responsibility," he said.
New Zealand First has argued for the use of legislative tools similar to anti-terrorism laws and Mr Mark said it was "very easy" to do. "You outlaw gangs, you make them illegal just like terrorism."
"I don't care if we have to build another 10 prisons to house them all, that's the only useful place for them," Mr Mark said.
Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples had earlier this year called for a crackdown on gangs, saying it should be initiated by communities.
Last night the Maori Party's other co-leader, Tariana Turia - who holds the Te Tai Hauauru seat, which encompasses the scene of the Wanganui shooting - said she felt it was too early to comment about the incident other than to say it was very sad.
Police Association president Greg O'Connor called on the Government to open a commission of inquiry into gangs.
"What has happened in Wanganui is in microcosm happening in every town in New Zealand."
Wanganui mayor Michael Laws said tensions between rival gangs in the city had been escalating for four years and had now culminated in "a sad, appalling tragedy. Now a 2-year-girl lies dead, shot by cowards who have so little respect for human life and humanity that the shooting of children is considered an acceptable risk."
The Whanganui MP, National's Chester Borrows, called on the gangs to exercise restraint in the wake of the toddler's death.
- with NZPA
