Taxpayers won't be funding the controversial section 27 reports anymore

The Legal Services Amendment Bill passed its third reading under urgency this morning.

It means the Government will no longer cough up the cash for cultural reports designed to give a judge more information about an offenders' background.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says the reports have become a seven-million dollar cottage industry.

He says putting an end to the current funding will mean savings can be used to improve support for victims of crime.

But, Labour MP Duncan Webb suggests the Government has ulterior, more sinister motives.

He says the Government's willing to dog whistle to the fringe elements of their parties, who want to bash down New Zealand's most vulnerable.