Simon Power MP
National Party Corrections Spokesman

8 September 2007

O’Connor shows serious lack of judgement - again

Corrections Minister Damien O’Connor has shown a serious lack of judgement by letting a Corrections staff member stood down from Rimutaka Prison travel with the parliamentary rugby team to France, says National Party Corrections spokesman Simon Power.

The revelation in the media today that Jim Morgan was allowed to go on the tour and play for the team by his Minister – who co-captains the team – shows why Mr O’Connor has struggled in the portfolio.

“It further turns out that Mr O’Connor failed to consult widely about the decision to include Mr Morgan, including failing to tell the team’s other co-captain, National MP Murray McCully.

“Circumstances like this do nothing to help a Minister who has been heavily scrutinised over consistent failures at Corrections over the past couple of years.

“His ability to act as an independent and neutral arbiter of the department’s behaviour is now surely called into question.

“I note the Prime Minister is reported as going to speak to Mr O’Connor this weekend. It will be interesting to see what the outcome of that discussion is.

“Mr O’Connor should have done the proper thing and not included Mr Morgan in the team.

“How many more chances is the Prime Minister going to give her failing Minister of Corrections?”

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