Hon Murray McCully MP National State Services Spokesman
16 March 2003
Govt fails to read controversial speech before delivery
National Party MP Murray McCully's uncovered a paper trail which shows Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres sent
his controversial 'Taleban' speech to two Government ministers to read before it was delivered.
"Margaret Wilson and Parekura Horomia were sent copies of this speech the day before it was delivered, now they admit
they didn't read it," says Mr McCully.
"It seems George Hawkins isn't the only one who doesn't read his mail," Mr McCully observes.
"The papers also show that almost two weeks before the speech was delivered a draft was circulated to the Race Relations
Commissioner's political mates.
"Many of those names have been deleted from the documents and I've asked the chief ombudsman to review those deletions.
"I believe it's in the public interests for us to know who else was involved in the speech preparation," Mr McCully
says.
The speech by Mr de Bres in December, compared the colonial history of New Zealand to the activities of the Taleban in
Afghanistan.
Documents obtained under the Official Information Act also show that the Race Relations Commissioner's speech was sent
to members of the Greens and United Future.
"It wasn't sent to National, Act or New Zealand First," Mr McCully says.
"He's showing his political colours in a job that's supposed to be non-partisan.
"The Race Relations Commissioner should not have political favourites," says Mr McCully.
"Mr de Bres also knew his speech was going to be controversial, at one point saying that he thought people might 'need
waking up'.
"That's a slap in the face for every New Zealander who thinks the Race Relations Commissioner is there to promote
harmony, to bring people together and reduce tension.
"Gregory Fortuin was sacked for less and we'll be urging Margaret Wilson to be consistent when Parliament resumes this
week," Mr McCully says.
Ends