Just The Beginning - Mark

23 February 2007

Just The Beginning - Mark

New Zealand First corrections spokesman Ron Mark has congratulated CEO Barry Matthews for announcing the establishment of a new unit to combat corruption in prisons.

“After a week of intensive and frank discussions between New Zealand First, the Prime Minister, the Minister and the CEO I am pleased that our concerns have been given serious consideration and that Mr Matthews is now moving swiftly to tackle the problem,” he said.

“The only way to stamp out corruption is to expose it, then to prosecute wherever it is found. I look forward to seeing such action, and perhaps those who are guilty will end up occupying the bed next to those that they currently guard.

“Now those honest prison officers who have attempted to bring matters into the open will have more protection from reprisals and others will more readily come forward.

“However, this is just the beginning. There is more to do,” said Mr Mark.

“The next step will be to examine prison management at all levels to see if those in management appointments are up to the job, that they have been proactive in weeding out corruption and that they are neither corrupt themselves nor colluding by failing to act.”

“I look forward to Corrections bringing those dishonest officers to account, and to successful prosecutions when that happens.”

ENDS