5. SIMON POWER (National—Rangitikei) Link to this
to the Minister of Corrections
Does he have confidence in his department; if so, why?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Minister of Corrections) Link to this
Yes, but there is always room for improvement.
Does the Minister stand by the statements of Barry Matthews in relation to Graeme Burton that “There’s no blood on my hands.” and “I don’t think there is a nexus between the tragedy and the management of his parole.”, when the report concedes that because Burton’s probation officer was on leave, nothing was done for a week after Burton had breached parole for the second time, which gave Burton another week without a warrant being issued for his arrest?
How can the Minister have confidence in a department that claims that Graeme Burton’s parole was “well managed” yet did not follow up on a warning issued to Burton, because his probation officer was on leave for a week, or does he believe that absence and neglect are the hallmarks of good management, in light of his own failure to front publicly on this issue for the 6 hours following the release of the reports?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
I think the parole could have been managed better, and I accept there could have been more timely action taken by individuals within the probation service.
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
Can the Minister confirm that my colleague Ron Mark has recently held meetings with him and the Chief Executive of the Department of Corrections, Barry Matthews, regarding alleged corruption within the department, and that Mr Mark’s constructive role has led to an inquiry into corruption being initiated, and can he inform the House as to progress in respect of that inquiry to date?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
Yes, I have met with Mr Mark on a number of occasions and he is assisting with some issues in the Department of Corrections. I can inform the House that the chief executive has advised me that today two staff at Rimutaka Prison have been suspended and one staff member has received notice of intention to suspend, and that a fourth staff member will be receiving notice of suspension on Monday.
Why does the report into the management of Burton’s parole state that all incidents of non-compliance were responded to within 1 week, in line with the enforcement guidelines for offenders on the offender warning system, when those guidelines actually state that for offenders on the offender warning system action should be taken immediately—not a week later—following repeat acts of non-compliance; and was nothing done until 12 December simply because of an overlooking of the guidelines, or because the probation officer concerned was still on holiday?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
The reports are technically and legally correct in their conclusions. However, the action that was undertaken by probation staff could have been performed in a more timely manner. We have moved to make changes to ensure that action will be immediate, and that we make contact within 24 hours with any parolee potentially in breach of parole.
Can the Minister confirm that the offender warning system was established in the aftermath of the Mount Wellington - Panmure Returned Services Association murders to provide more intensive monitoring of parolees at high risk of reoffending, because William Bell’s probation officer had gone on leave just prior to those murders; and does not the failure to take action immediately against Burton, as the offender warning system guidelines outline, mean that the Minister’s department had learnt nothing from the William Bell murders in Panmure?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
I can confirm that prior to the William Bell murders, under the National Government, there was no offender warning system. We moved to implement that system to ensure that the 600-plus parolees who are currently under that system have the closest level of scrutiny. There must be swifter, firmer action when we have information that indicates any form of breach. We are changing those procedures.
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. Exactly who is the questioner and who is the Minister here? I heard a question being asked, then that person proceeded to spend the next few seconds—in fact, many seconds—shouting across the House, presumably giving himself his own answer. With respect, we cannot hear what is going on when that happens, and I would like to hear the Minister’s answer again.
Madam SPEAKERI thank the member; it is a timely intervention. Those who ask questions expect that the question will be addressed. If the person addressing it cannot be heard, then one wonders what the purpose in asking the question is. I remind members to provide courtesy to each other when asking and answering questions; otherwise, we will have to have them repeated each time.
Can the Minister confirm whether CathrynElsworth, the acting general manager who wrote the report into the management of Burton’s parole, is the same acting manager mentioned in the report as being involved in discussions about Burton’s breach and recall action, or a different one?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
I am informed that she is not the same acting manager, but I will check that fact.