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The
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NZ
Parliament |
NZ Parliament
February 25, 1999
Questions for Oral Answer
Question No -
Petition for Pardon---Peter Ellis
1. Ron Mark (NZ First) to the Minister of Justice:
Noting
that the next Parole Board hearing for Peter Ellis is due next month, can he
explain why the petition to the Governor-General for a pardon, filed 16
November 1998, has still not been dealt with?
Hon. Tony Ryall (Minister of Justice):
The petition lodged by Mr Ellis on 16 November 1998 seeks a free pardon in
respect of the sexual indecency charges on which he remained convicted. It is
the second such petition lodged by Mr Ellis. His first petition, which also
sought a free pardon, was lodged on 1 December 1997 and resulted in his case
being referred back to the Court of Appeal for further consideration following
the provision of formal advice to the Governor-General by the then Minister of
Justice, Sir Douglas Graham, in March of last year. The Court of Appeal hearing
is set down for the week commencing 31 May 1999. The second petition lodged by
Mr Ellis canvasses many of the issues raised in the first petition and also
raises a number of new and complex issues that require detailed consideration.
It is expected that formal advice will be provided to His Excellency the
Governor-General on the second petition before the Court of Appeal hearing in
May. The fact that Mr Ellis is to be considered by the Parole Board next month
is unconnected with the consideration of his petition to the Governor-General,
and it should not detract, therefore, from the need to examine the petition
carefully.
Ron Mark:
Given that the final decision might well have implications for the
Government and the judicial system of
Hon. Tony Ryall
No, I believe---and I am sure the member would agree---that the matters
raised in the second petition are quite new and complex. I want to give it full
consideration. I will be able to do that before 31 May. I do not feel that we
will be in a position to do that before the Parole Board hearing.
Pansy Wong:
How many petitions to the Governor-General are currently being investigated,
and should the Ellis petition be treated any differently?
Hon. Tony Ryall
Five petitions to the Governor-General are currently under consideration,
including one from David Bain. These petitions raise
numerous and complex issues that need to be investigated in depth. While it
would be unfair to give special priority to the petition lodged by Mr Ellis,
the Government is aware of the importance of completing any investigations into
that petition before the Court of Appeal hearing in May.
Hon. Phil Goff:
Has the Minister been advised by his officials that anything in the new
evidence put forward by Mrs Ablett-Kerr would create reasonable doubt as to the
conviction entered into for Mr Ellis?
Hon. Tony Ryall
I have not yet had the opportunity to receive the report from Ministry of
Justice officials.