7. PETER BROWN (Deputy Leader—NZ First) Link to this
to the Minister of Immigration
What are the total costs to date to the Government relating to the Ahmed Zaoui case and what does the Government estimate the final cost of this case will be if the security risk certificate review report is in the Minister’s hands by the end of the year as planned?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Minister of Immigration) Link to this
As at the end of May 2007 the costs to the Department of Labour relating to the Ahmed Zaoui case were $916,603.09—presumably the 9c predates the recent currency change. I do not have responsibility for other departments or votes. The Department of Labour has not undertaken an estimate of future costs.
Is the Minister aware that in the years Mr Zaoui has been here, the cost to the Government, which the Government has been willing to reveal, is in excess of $3 million, is he aware that the unrevealed cost will take that total closer to $4 million, and is it his intention to drag this matter out as long as possible, so as to make Mr Zaoui the first New Zealand “Six Million Dollar Man”?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
I have not sought to receive the total costs for the departments for which I am not responsible. I am aware that the cost is considerable. I can reassure the member that this Government is concerned to see that case resolved as quickly as possible, and I will make my decision expeditiously when matters are reported to me.
Is the Minister satisfied with the effectiveness of our current deportation system, which dictates that even if the security risk certificate is upheld, and he as Minister decides to deport Mr Zaoui, Mr Zaoui could end up joining the growing list of people who simply refuse to sign travel documents and remain here by default—is he happy about that?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
Let me answer that question in two parts. Firstly, no, and that is why I am changing it. But, secondly, let me point out that there is only one country that requires a signature on the travel document of an outgoing deportee, and that country is not Algeria.
Noting that answer, is the Minister willing to pursue agreements with other countries to allow the return of undocumented persons, so that we can be the ultimate decision makers here in New Zealand regarding who gets deported, rather than the deportee as it currently stands; if he will not agree to that, will he tell the House why?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
To the best of my knowledge the Government already has that understanding with all countries except for Iran, and we have that matter under discussion with the Government of Iran at the moment.
Dr the Hon Lockwood Smith Link to this
Can the Minister give the House an unequivocal assurance that under no circumstances will he approve access to New Zealand for any of Mr Zaoui’s family, which would add ultimately to any deportation costs in this sorry saga?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
That request has been made to me formally twice, and I have declined it formally twice. It would be inappropriate of me to prejudge future requests on which I have not yet seen supporting information, but I cannot currently think of the evidence that would be likely to make me change my mind.
Keith LockeI seek leave to table a reply to a written question from Peter Brown, answered by the Attorney-General, that gives the costs to the Crown Law Office—
Madam SPEAKER