John Key MP
National Party Leader

3 April 2007

Police response to Bazley report of deep concern

The police response to the comprehensive Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct is of deep concern, says National Party Leader John Key.

"I note that Dame Margaret Bazley made 60 recommendations, including some that effectively put police under watch by the Auditor-General and State Services Commissioner.

"I also note that the Labour Government has said that it will take up and implement all the recommendations affecting the police and Police Complaints Authority.

"But Police Minister Annette King should be as concerned as I am at Police Commissioner Howard Broad's written response which states: 'the report does not point to systemic failings with police policy, procedures, standards, training or behaviour'.

"That flies in the face of the Dame Margaret's press release which states that 'the good work done by many investigating officers, particularly in the past 15 years, has been placed in jeopardy by systemic flaws that need attention...'

"Just as worrying is Dame Margaret's comments that she is concerned the police impetus for change may not be sustained once the Commission has reported.

"For that reason she's recommended oversight by the State Services Commissioner with annual audits of police culture, and monitoring of the Commission's recommendations over the next 10 years by the Auditor-General.

"The public will find this report deeply disturbing. The Labour Government must ensure all the recommendations are implemented."

ENDS

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