Call for inquiry into 'Goon Squad'

National MP Brian Connell is calling for an urgent inquiry into the Corrections Department's handling of the so-called 'Goon Squad' case in Christchurch.

"We need to know how on earth a Government department can continue to employ these people in sensitive roles within the prison system," says Mr Connell, a member of the Law and Order select committee.

"This is clearly worrying the Corrections Minister's own colleagues too, with first Georgina Beyer, and now Tariana Turia - a former Associate Corrections Minister - questioning the Department's handling of the matter.

"It doesn't say much for the Minister's credibility when his own mates start speaking out and doing his job for him," says Mr Connell.

"I never thought I'd want to hear more from Tariana Turia, but she's quite right in condemning Corrections management for appearing to 'condone illegal, violent and potentially abusive behaviour by their own staff' and questioning how the perpetrators have kept their jobs.

"A full, independent inquiry's needed to flush out the remaining secrets behind the 'Goon Squad.'

"And the public needs to be assured there will be no whitewash of this scandal.

"New Zealanders expect and demand the highest standards from our Government employees and it's clear from this case that these expectations are not being met," says Mr Connell.

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