O’Connor slapped with another ‘no confidence’ vote

National Party Justice and Corrections spokesman Simon Power says Helen Clark has delivered yet another vote of no confidence in Damien O’Connor by announcing plans for a review of the split between Justice and Corrections.

“When National said it wanted more accountability from these departments, Mr O’Connor finally broke his silence on the Graeme Burton fiasco to rubbish the suggestion.

“Now, Labour has done a complete 180 degree turn on this, and at the same time Helen Clark has delivered one final slap in the face for Mr O’Connor before heading overseas.”

Mr Power says there’s no doubt the review is designed to take the heat out of the debate about the systemic failures within Corrections and Justice, after a prolonged campaign by National.

“But the reality is the head of Corrections says Burton’s parole was well managed, and Labour has already said it has total confidence in Barry Matthews.”

Mr Power says it’s also hard to reconcile the changes to parole with the culture of denial within Corrections and Labour.

“Labour can put in place whatever rules it likes, but if the rules aren’t followed what’s the point?”

Mr Power says that’s exactly where the Graeme Burton issue has ended up.

“Labour put in place a zero tolerance register after the William Bell shooting rampage at the Panmure RSA. Those rules simply weren’t followed in the Graeme Burton case.

“What’s required is some leadership in the portfolio. Clearly Helen Clark doesn’t think Mr O’Connor is up to the job, and neither do I.”

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