Until white collar criminals are actually recognised for the criminals they undoubtedly are, they will continue to prey on Kiwis and on the economy, says Labour Commerce spokesperson Lianne Dalziel.

"White collar criminals don't even see themselves as criminals, but that's what they are. They are not smart. They are not shrewd and resourceful business people. They are thieves, and they should be treated as such," Lianne Dalziel said.

Welcoming Commerce Minister Simon Power's release of a discussion document on the criminalisation of cartels, Lianne Dalziel said overseas experience showed that imprisonment was a much stronger deterrent than financial penalties for white collar crime.

"Price-fixing activities are anti-competitive. They drive prices up for Kiwi consumers. They undermine trust in the business sector. They distort the market. They slow productivity. They are bad for New Zealand and for New Zealanders.

"An increasing number of countries, including Australia, have criminalised cartel behaviour, and New Zealand now has the opportunity to follow their lead," Lianne Dalziel said. "It is particularly important that the same rules apply in New Zealand and Australia for businesses that operate on both sides of the Tasman."

The discussion document is available at www.med.govt.nz and submissions close on 31 March 2010.