Clayton Cosgrove
Law and Order Spokesperson

30 July 2009 Media Statement

Cosgrove lays breach of privilege against Garrett

Labour law and order spokesperson Clayton Cosgrove has laid a breach of privilege complaint against ACT MP David Garrett for his comments at the law and order select committee yesterday.

Clayton Cosgrove, who chaired yesterday’s meeting in the absence of National MP Sandra Goudie, said David Garrett’s threatening comments to prison officers at the meeting were deeply offensive and worrying.

“The prison officers voiced misgivings about their experiences in private prisons,” Clayton Cosgrove said. “They were making legitimate use of the select committee system in doing so. They did not deserve to have their job prospects threatened as a result of their sincere and honest comments.

“New Zealanders are proud of the select committee system. It’s a real cornerstone of our democracy. It allows people to come along and openly state their opinions. Politicians should listen to them,” Clayton Cosgrove said.

“The prison officers were speaking in an approved private capacity. They are New Zealanders who work in an often dangerous and highly volatile environment, and they have a perfect right to discuss safety and other issues.

“I am disgusted by this MP’s behaviour. He has brought the select committee system into disrepute.”

ENDS

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