Otago Daily Times
September 19, 2003
MPs look at petition calling for inquiry into Ellis case
NZPA
Wellington: A parliamentary committee has cautiously
begun examining a petition calling for a royal commission of inquiry into
Peter Ellis' conviction in the Christchurch Civic Creche child abuse case.
Author Lynley Hood's book A City Possessed triggered the petition, signed by
more than 800 people, including 140 prominent New Zealanders in politics, the
judiciary, media and the arts. At least one MP from each political party
signed it.
The justice select committee yesterday said it was considering the petition,
but warned it would not look into Peter Ellis' guilt or evidence.
"We will not rehear the case," the committee said in a press
release.
The committee did not have a judicial role.
"We consider that the key issue for us to determine is whether or not
the Christchurch Civic Creche case raises concerns of sufficient significance
to justify a royal commission," the committee said.
The committee said to establish the merits of a royal commission into the
case, members would use the follow terms of reference:
Whether there is a need for any changes to police
and other investigative procedures, the law or to criminal justice processes
that could justify setting up a royal commission; and
Whether any such need has been adequately
addressed by the previous investigations, or could be adequately served now
by normal governmental processes or advisers.
Chairman Tim Barnett said the committee was taking a "series of deep
breaths" as it entered into the controversial realm of the Ellis case.
The committee had received initial submissions from the chief petitioners and
the Justice Ministry. These had been sent to the Ellis camp for comment.
After receiving the counter-submissions, the committee would probably hold
public hearings with the two parties in three to four weeks time.
Mr Barnett said the committee would then decide stage by stage on how to
proceed.
Some on the committee had been opposed to fellow member Act New Zealand MP
Stephen Franks taking part in the hearings on the petition as he was a
signatory.
Mr Barnett said there was no procedural grounds for the committee to force a
member to stand down.
Mr Franks said he decided to carry on, saying all MPs would bring opinions,
views and possibly political party instructions to the committee.
"Some may have views on whether Mr Ellis offended against children at
the Christ-church creche," Mr Franks said in a letter to one
organisation that objected to him taking part. "Some may be open-minded
on that, yet still feel from what has emerged so far, that it is doubtful the
charges were proved beyond reasonable doubt.
"That is probably closest to my position but it is not strongly held and
I am willing to be persuaded by the evidence."
After the committee finally reports to Government, it has 90 days to respond
to the committee. Ministers are not bound by the committee's report.
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