Wednesday 24 November 2004

Action taken to protect the integrity of Corrections Inquiry process

The State Services Commissioner, Mark Prebble, today said that he was very concerned at the publication in The Press of leaked extracts from the draft report of the Inquiry into the Department of Corrections Canterbury Emergency Response Unit.

"Extracts of the draft report, by Ailsa Duffy QC, had been sent to various people affected by the report for their comment.

The draft report was confidential, as was all evidence given to the Inquiry.

"In our view, publication of extracts of the draft report undermines the principle of natural justice as the people named in the report have not had the opportunity to respond to any adverse findings.

"I want people affected by the report to have an opportunity to correct inaccuracies. Publication of inaccurate information can irreparably damage reputations, in a way that is entirely avoidable.

"I have therefore today taken urgent action to prevent any further publication of the leaked draft material.

"As indicated at the beginning of this inquiry, I will publicly release the final report once the feedback process is complete," Mark Prebble said.

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