Simon Power MP
National Party Justice & Corrections Spokesman

9 September 2007

An exercise in Corrections spin

A communications plan developed by Corrections to head off criticism of its failings over the Graeme Burton tragedy reveals the lengths that some government departments will go to avoid blame, says National's Justice & Corrections spokesman, Simon Power.

The plan, obtained under the Official Information Act, was developed to coincide with the March release of investigations into the incident.

"Despite Corrections' failure to provide the Parole Board with relevant information about Burton, and their sloppy management of his parole, the first 'key message' in the plan is that 'The two investigations clear Corrections of allegations of wrongdoing and or incompetency (sic)'.

"Sadly, the expression of condolences to the family of Karl Kuchenbecker only rates fifth of the five 'key messages', and they are fourth in the list of four 'key audiences'.

"The document also states:

* 'The media may only focus on the negative elements of both reports and ignore the fundamental findings which absolve the department of wrong-doing.'

* 'Find a sympathetic reporter and give them a scoop.'

* 'Provide the Minister with all the information necessary to refute Mr Power.'

"They seem more concerned with spinning their side of the story and protecting their own backs than fronting up to the public.

"This is quite an alarming insight into how departmental communications units are immersing themselves in the political domain, along with the recent case of ministerial interference in the employment of communications staff.

"Thankfully, the journalists didn't fall for this spin."

Corrections document

ENDS

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