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The
Christchurch Civic Creche Case |
Opposition Leader Jenny Shipley today called on Prime Minister
Helen Clark to show compassion to the parents of the Christchurch Créche
children and arrange to fund their legal costs for the Government-imposed
inquiry into the Ellis case. "I have been approached by parents of créche children who
are dismayed that they and their children are to face yet another inquiry.
Their grief is compounded by the fact that after they met with Minister of
Justice Phil Goff to plead their case, he would not fund legal representation
for the families of the abused children for their involvement in an inquiry. "They have since written to Mr Goff asking that he funds a
lawyer for the children and their families now that the Government has
decided that an inquiry should take place. They await his reply. "The parents have also tried to contact the Prime
Minister's office to seek her help." Jenny Shipley called on the Prime Minister to show some
compassion and balance. "In deciding to impose a Government inquiry it would be
unreasonable if the Government does not pay for professional support for the
children and their families as they make submissions. Peter Ellis has had the
best of legal advice. These parents and their children are entitled to equal
support given that the Government has agreed that this inquiry should take
place and the terms of reference are set. "I call on the Prime Minister to make the decision to
support these children and their parents quickly to avoid any further anxiety
or distress. While justice must be done, it should not be at the emotional
and financial cost of those who have already been through a great deal,"
Mrs Shipley said. |
