The Enhancing Identity Verification and Border Processes Legislation Bill has received a third reading in Parliament. It will come into force the day after it receives the Royal Assent.

The omnibus bill seeks to amend a number of Acts to strengthen the ability of agencies within the justice and border security community to perform their law enforcement functions more effectively.

The bill responds to perceived weaknesses in legislation regarding offender and patient management that were identified in the Government inquiry, Matters Concerning the Escape of Philip John Smith/Traynor.

“We need to ensure that high-risk offenders cannot hide who they are through the use of multiple aliases, or leave New Zealand without permission, just as Mr Smith/Traynor did,” Justice Minister Amy Adams says.

“This Bill will provide certain agencies with real-time access to up-to-date and unalterable information to enable them to identify offenders and protect New Zealanders from harm.