Simon Bridges National MP simonbridges.co.nz

A lot of culture has hit town in the last couple of weeks including the 49th annual Jazz Festival. In addition, two other events have made their mark. The first was a real treat for classical music lovers in the Bay – an Opus Orchestra concert, which included beautiful pieces by Mozart, Bruch and Schubert. The orchestra is playing several more times this year at the Graham Young Youth Theatre at Tauranga Boys' College. For details on the upcoming programme visit www.opusorchestra.org.nz

The second event was the farewell function for the 185 Christchurch folk who flew up for an all expenses paid holiday through the 'Ten Days in Tauranga” initiative, led by Mayor Stuart Crosby and I. The function was a moving one and every one who helped make our mainland friends' time so happy should be proud. In particular, I would like to single out the efforts of Elizabeth Hughes from Tauranga City Council and her team which included Alison, Katharyn, Clare, Natalie, Kathryn and Joy. My staff members Glenn and Maree also deserve special mention.

Putting victims at the centre of the justice system

Victims of crime have often been through terrible ordeals, suffering great loss and indignity at the hands of offenders. Yet for most victims, the story doesn't end there – they still have to relive their experience and face the offender in court.

National is introducing a range of reforms to help ease the emotional strain on victims who go through the justice system. This follows public consultation since December 2009 where we talked to victims, lawyers, government and non-government agencies, academics and the public.

Two changes will begin immediately. First, we will establish a Victims Centre within the Ministry of Justice, to oversee victims' services and improve the information victims can access.

Second, the Victims Centre will develop a Victims Code. The code will help victims understand their rights, the services available to them and the complaints process. A draft code will be reported to Cabinet by October.

We will include a number of other very important changes in a Victims of Crime Reform Bill.

We will reform Victim Impact Statements so victims can better express their feelings and the automatic right to read their statement in court in cases of serious crime. Currently there are too many restrictions on what victims are allowed to say. This means some end up not having a voice in court at all.

We will also improve the Victim Notification System and communications between victims and prosecutors. Victims should know about the outcomes of bail hearings and about any changes made to the charges against the offender. We will make sure that happens routinely.

There will also be new accountability requirements and complaints processes and a wider use of restorative justice.

We've already made major changes to help victims. In July last year, we set up a new $50 levy on all offenders to fund new initiatives that provide additional support to victims. We improved homicide support services, brought in special advisors for victims of sexual violence, increased financial grants and improved information resources. We also introduced Police Safety Orders to provide immediate aid to victims of domestic violence.

National is committed to improving the status of victims of crime. This package gives victims extra support, helps them to better understand court processes and puts them at the centre of the justice system rather than on the sideline.