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Allegations
of Abuse in Institutions |
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Defence Minister Mark
Burton today announced that former High Court Judge, Hon David Morris is to
be appointed to act as independent assessor for the Ministerial Inquiry to
examine the responses and comments received relating to alleged abuses at the
Waiouru Regular Force Cadet School. “Hon Morris had a long
and distinguished career as a Crown Solicitor and a High Court Judge. His
personal integrity and status assure that the assessment of these claims will
be treated credibly, seriously, and professionally. His judicial experience
will enable him to separate issues of mistreatment from more serious
allegations that, even in the context of the time, may amount to criminal
offences. “These attributes,
combined with his complete independence of the Defence Force, Police, and
Government, make Hon Morris ideal for the role of assessor,” said Mark
Burton. “Hon Morris will
evaluate all claims and views raised by former cadets of the Waiouru school
in context, and investigate them in a neutral manner through a Ministerial
Inquiry. “At the completion of
this Inquiry, Hon Morris will prepare a report that I, in consultation with
the Attorney-General, will present to Cabinet,” said Mark Burton. “This
report will detail the facts surrounding the allegations, as well as
identifying any further appropriate action that may be required. “I reiterate that these
are complex, historical claims, many of which date back between 25 and 45
years. Army will fully cooperate with Hon Morris in this investigation,
making available all relevant existing information in a timely manner.” As well as extensive
experience with criminal law, Hon Morris has also been involved with a number
of inquiries over the years, including the National Women’s Hospital cervical
cancer Inquiry, investigations into the Mr Asia drug ring, and the Erebus
Commission of Inquiry. Mark Burton says that
he will meet with Hon Morris next week, following which final terms of
reference will be released, as well as practical details of the Inquiry. |
