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Allegations
of Abuse in Institutions |
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Media: Is the government considering any sort of inquiry into
the allegations of abuse at Porirua? PM: That has been referred to Crown Law and the
Attorney-General. We’re investigating 62 claims, which have been filed, and I
understand Margaret Wilson will have a statement out later today. What she
will say is that until the Crown has completed that investigation, it can’t
make any decision on whether or not an inquiry would be appropriate. Media: Will any sort of decision be based in any way on the Lake
Alice settlement? PM: I think that would be jumping well ahead. At the moment,
the Government is in the business of investigating 62 claims, so we’re really
not in a position to say whether there’s any comparison. Media: Given the number of claims, which is substantial, are you
concerned that this be appropriately dealt with? Is there a level of concern
in Government about the fact that that number of claims is being fought? PM: Oh, look, there’s always a concern when you get a number
of claims like that, and all you can do is say “Please investigate and see
whether matters need to be taken further”. Media: There are previous precedents where issues such as
arbitration have been looked at, for example. Were there found to be
substance of the claims, is that one possible route that would be considered?
PM: Again, I think that is jumping well ahead. In the case of
Lake Alice, there was a procedure entered into that didn’t see people having
to be dragged through the courts because there clearly was a substantial
element of abuse involved. But, as I say, there are 62 claims and they don’t
only affect Porirua, is my understanding. So it’s more complex than claims
affecting one institution at one place. |
