Lockwood Smith MP
National Party Immigration Spokesman
30 April 2008
Minister hides serious allegations for months
National Party Immigration spokesman Lockwood Smith says Immigration Minister Clayton Cosgrove has kept serious claims
levelled at a top official secret for months, and his predecessor probably knew too.
“Mr Cosgrove admits that he was briefed before Christmas on the serious allegations made against a top official, yet
when he was initially asked about the claims and subsequent inquiry he declared it was an ‘operational matter’.
“Mr Cosgrove, and most likely his predecessor David Cunliffe, kept those serious allegations hidden until members of the
media started asking the right questions.
“Had the right questions not been asked, I expect the allegations against one of the country’s most senior immigration
officials would still be a secret today.
“Why didn’t the Minster order a proper inquiry when he found out rather than waiting for months? Why has it taken a week
of public pressure for the Minister to ask for a wider inquiry into claims that senior managers were pressuring staff to
approve particular immigration applications?”
Dr Smith says Mr Cosgrove must ask the State Services Commission to reveal what Ministers knew and when.
“He must also release the terms of reference. Almost every inquiry Labour orders is repeated, because inevitably, the
first investigation fails to get all the facts.
“It’s all very well for Mr Cosgrove to call for a wide ranging inquiry, but precisely what does the Minister expect to
be covered? Will he give an undertaking to release an unedited version of the SSC report, and when can we expect it?
“The Minister appears to be treating this whole issue with casual disregard. These are very serious allegations that cut
to the heart of public confidence in our Immigration Service. He should treat them with the urgency they deserve.”
ENDS