Simon Power MP
National Party Justice Spokesman

3 April 2007

Clark reveals desperation in justice review

The terms of reference for the Government’s review of the criminal justice system are so wide they smack of desperation, says National’s Justice spokesman, Simon Power.

Prime Minister Helen Clark has released details of the review, which will be carried out by Ombudsman Mel Smith, a former secretary of justice.

He will look at how the Justice Ministry, Corrections, Police and Parole Board work together and whether differences in the way they operate ‘lead to unintended or undesirable consequences’ and will ‘identify any other issues he believes should be brought to the attention of the prime minister’.

“From these terms of reference it looks as though the Government has no real idea what it is trying to achieve.

“Helen Clark has given Mel Smith a blank canvas and told him to go away and come up with some ideas.

“It’s almost a case of ‘Help me, Mr Smith, you’re my only hope’.

“And where is Justice Minister Mark Burton?

“It looks as though Helen Clark is taking over the running of Justice, after ignoring the Ministry and running off to the Law Commission for advice on sentencing, the Parole Board’s power to investigate allegations, management of Graeme Burton’s parole, and changes to evidence and suppression orders.

“She clearly has no confidence in Mark Burton to run New Zealand’s justice sector.”

ENDS

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