Mon, 8 Nov 2004

PM's Ill-Judgement Costs Taxpayers Dearly

Monday 8 Nov 2004

Dr Muriel Newman - Press Releases - Crime & Justice

ACT New Zealand Deputy Leader and Police Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today accused Prime Minister Helen Clark of wasting taxpayers' money, after a commission of inquiry into police conduct over the past 20 years started too early.

"In February, the Prime Minister launched an inquiry into the standards and codes of personal behaviour and sexual conduct of police officers over the past two decades," Dr Newman said.

"According to top QC Peter Williams, the premature timing of the inquiry means that it has been a complete waste of time, with several former or current officers having been advised not to take part in case criminal charges could latter be laid against them and evidence used in the separate police investigation that is currently being conducted.

"The Prime Minister's decision to launch the inquiry at this time beggars belief. Unfortunately for the Kiwi taxpayer, it's them who will have to pay the $183,000 bill for the Prime Minister's ill-judgement," Dr Newman said.

ENDS

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