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ACC Minister Judith Collins is encouraging all New Zealanders to take extra care during the holiday season, at home and on the water.

Between December 25 and January 2, ACC received around 36,500 Christmas-related injury claims, costing levy payers around $24 million to date.

“Seemingly harmless activities such as setting up and taking down Christmas trees and lights can prove risky. Small things such as following the three-points-of-contact rule when using a ladder can help reduce the risk,” Ms Collins says.

Key features of the Government’s alcohol reforms come into force this week and provide a strong platform to help drive change in New Zealand’s drinking culture, Justice Minister Judith Collins says.

“For the first time in more than two decades the Government is acting to restrict, rather than relax, our drinking laws. These changes strike a sensible balance between curbing the harm alcohol abuse can cause, without penalising responsible drinkers.

A Bill modernising rules around Royal succession to the throne has passed its third and final reading in Parliament today.

The Royal Succession Bill puts in place changes that were agreed in 2011 by the 16 Realms who share the Queen as Head of State. All Realms, including New Zealand, must have the same succession laws.

“These changes are positive for New Zealand’s system of government. This Bill improves and modernises the rules of succession and helps ensure the monarchy remains relevant to our modern society,” Ms Collins says.

Justice Minister Judith Collins has announced the reappointment of Hon Sir Hugh Williams QC as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for a term of three years.

“Sir Hugh continues to provide the Commission with very able legal leadership and I’m pleased he has agreed to continue to serve in this important office,” Ms Collins says.

Justice Minister Judith Collins has announced Wellington lawyer John Edwards as the new Privacy Commissioner.

Mr Edwards will replace Ms Marie Shroff, CNZM, CVO who has completed two five year terms in the role.

“Mr Edwards’ public and private sector experience gives him a highly informed perspective on data privacy and data matching issues. He is an acknowledged privacy expert and has a broad, practical understanding of the Privacy Act,” Ms Collins says.

New proposals to increase the monetary threshold of Disputes Tribunals will allow more people to resolve common disagreements over issues such as goods, services and property damage more quickly and easily.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says the proposals will allow Disputes Tribunals to deal with claims of $30,000 or less. Currently, individuals and businesses with civil claims can go to a Disputes Tribunal if the disputed amount is $15,000 or less; or up to $20,000 if all parties agree.

A Bill modernising the 100-year old law underpinning New Zealand’s courts has passed its first reading in Parliament today.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says the Judicature Modernisation Bill supports this Government’s commitment to delivering a 21st century justice system.

“We live in an era where people can shop, bank and pay bills online – it’s about time we look at how routine court matters can be handled more efficiently to bring justice up to speed,” Ms Collins says. 

An embarrassing middle-aged Dad trying to impress his teenager’s friends by supplying them alcohol features in a new publicity campaign to remind people of new laws about supplying alcohol to under-18 year olds.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says the campaign, developed by the Health Promotion Agency (HPA), relates to law changes this month around social supply of alcohol to under-18s.

Justice Minister Judith Collins has welcomed the first reading of world-leading legislation to stop cyber bullies in their tracks.

The Harmful Digital Communications Bill introduces a range of measures to address damaging online communications and ensure perpetrators are held to account for their actions.

“Countries around the world are grappling with the challenges presented by increased communications within the cyber-sphere,” Ms Collins says.

New Zealand had been ranked the least corrupt country in the world for the eighth year running, Justice Minister Judith Collins says.

Transparency International’s Corruption Perception index released today ranked New Zealand first, equal with Denmark, out of 176 countries for having the lowest perception of corruption in the public sector.

“One of New Zealand’s biggest assets internationally is its reputation for being corruption free,” Ms Collins says. 

ACC Minister Judith Collins says a new Safety Star Rating Scheme (SSRS) is a good opportunity for ACC to encourage better practices with a tangible measure of progress.

“If you’re a top performing business, you’ll be recognised for it – and your customers will know about it too,” says Ms Collins.

ACC and WorkSafe New Zealand are working with businesses and workers’ representatives to develop a voluntary scheme that rates businesses’ workplace safety to improve long-lasting safety culture.

Workers and employers will pay $387 million less in ACC levies in 2014/15, ACC Minister Judith Collins announced today.

“This Government is committed to the long-term sustainability of the ACC scheme so that it is working for the benefit of both levy payers and claimants,” Ms Collins says.

“Workers and employers will be paying less thanks to the Corporation’s astute financial management, outstanding investment performance and dedication to effective rehabilitation.

A new bill introduced to Parliament today will help modernise the law underpinning New Zealand’s courts so they better meet public expectations for 21st century services.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says the Judicature Modernisation Bill aims to bring the outdated law governing our courts up to speed, improve the transparency of court and judicial processes and enhance public trust and confidence in the justice system.

Justice Minister Judith Collins today announced improvements to the Evidence Act that will make appearing in court less traumatic for victims of sexual violence and child witnesses.

“It’s always difficult for victims of sexual violence to come forward to bring their attacker to justice – we want to ensure that when they do come forward they know what to expect in the courtroom,” Ms Collins says.

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins will open New Zealand’s first Muslim World Forum in Auckland tomorrow and says it’s an example of our nation’s world-leading approach to building harmonious relations.

“This Forum is a fantastic opportunity for the Muslim community to reflect on its journey so far and discuss its future contribution to New Zealand,” Ms Collins says.

A Bill that increases the penalties for making, trading or possessing child exploitation material passed its first reading in Parliament today.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says the Objectionable Publications and Indecency Legislation Bill delivers this Government’s commitment to protecting children from exploitation.

“We’re targeting criminals who prey on children, either by feeding the supply or fuelling the demand for the insidious underground child sexual abuse market,” Ms Collins says.

A Bill to cut back on unnecessary parole hearings for offenders who still pose a threat to the community has passed its first reading in Parliament.

The Parole Amendment Bill will amend the Parole Act 2002. Justice Minister Judith Collins says the change will implement the Government’s Post-Election Action Plan to reduce the number of unnecessary parole hearings where the offender has little prospect of release.

ACC Minister Judith Collins is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Gregor Coster to the ACC Board.

“Professor Coster’s extensive experience in the health sector will complement the wide mix of skills already present in the ACC Board,” says Ms Collins.

ACC Minister Judith Collins congratulates the winners of this year’s Workplace Wellbeing Awards and says they are leading a positive culture change in workplaces across New Zealand.

“It was a privilege to present the New Zealand Workplace Wellbeing Awards last night in recognition of employers’ dedication to promoting and improving workplace wellbeing,” Ms Collins says.

Justice Minister Judith Collins today welcomed Transparency International New Zealand’s evaluation of our nation’s governance and anti-corruption efforts.

Ms Collins launched key findings from the National Integrity Study (NIS) Assessment tonight, at the annual general meeting of Transparency International’s New Zealand arm.

“New Zealand consistently ranks as the least corrupt country on Transparency International’s corruption perceptions index,” Ms Collins says.

Judith Collins will attend the APEC Women’s Leadership Forum in China this week – ‘Championing innovation through inclusive leadership’.

The Forum, hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, brings leaders in politics, business and civil society together to discuss current challenges and opportunities facing professional women.

“It’s an honour to be invited to this year’s APEC Women Leaders Forum,” Ms Collins says.

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins will travel to Sydney tomorrow to address the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Women’s Conference.

The Conference is part of the GOPIO Biennial Convention and provides opportunity for women of Indian ethnicity to network and address current, critical issues confronting women of all ages globally.

“All women, including those of Indian descent, have played and will continue to play an important role in New Zealand’s story,” Ms Collins says.

Registrations are now open for New Zealand’s first Muslim World Forum and Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins is encouraging Kiwis of all ethnicities to take part.

“The Forum provides a fantastic opportunity for New Zealanders who are interested to connect, explore contemporary issues and celebrate New Zealand’s diversity,” Ms Collins says.

“Participants will have the chance to discuss challenges the Muslim community may face and find solutions to support Muslim Kiwis to be active and engaged members of New Zealand society.”

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins will host Diwali celebrations at Parliament tonight and says the event is one of many examples of New Zealand embracing Indian culture.

“It’s a privilege to be hosting this evening’s Diwali celebration for our Indian community. It’s especially significant that the event will be held at Parliament, New Zealand’s decision making centre,” says Ms Collins.