17 December 2004
Corrections Responsible For ERU Disaster
New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark is calling for heads to roll in the Corrections Department and
says weak and flawed leadership across regional and national levels of management can be blamed for the failed actions
and inappropriate activity of the Canterbury Emergency Response Unit (ERU).
Mr Mark’s comments follow the tabling of the State Services Commission’s damning report on the inquiry into the
Department of Correction’s handling of the Canterbury Emergency Response Unit.
Mr Mark had pushed for the investigation of the ERU, better known as the “Goon Squad”, since its disestablishment in
July 2000.
“The report confirms all I have said for the last three years – that the Corrections Department allowed a paramilitary,
boy’s own unit to be established for inappropriate reasons, with inappropriate controls.
“This unit was allowed to operate illicitly, to break the law, to abuse inmates and staff and misuse funds with
impunity,” said Mr Mark.
“The failure of the ERU is a result of an inept and incompetent Corrections Department, which allowed good, honest
prison officers to be victimised and harassed and stood aside as inmates were abused.
“This inactivity continued through to ministerial level, with all four ministers of Corrections during this time
neglecting to do anything about it.
“Now, the Government has orchestrated the release of the report during House Urgency, thereby preventing parties like
New Zealand First from debating the report and questioning the Minister.
“This kind of thing flies in the face of Helen Clark’s promise of a new era of accountability under her leadership. How
can the public have faith in the Government’s accountability when serious matters like this are swept under the rug?”
concluded Mr Mark.
ENDS