Allegations
of Abuse in Institutions |
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Air Marshal Ferguson's Statement On Waiouru Review Press Release Statement By The Chief Of Defence
Force Air Marshal Bruce Ferguson On The Ministerial Review Into The
Allegations Of Abuse At The Waiouru Regular Force Cadet School From 1948 To
1991 And Events Surrounding The Killing Of Cadet Grant Bain 1981
Justice Morris's Report
is thorough and balanced. The report very fairly places the events in the
context of the values and norms of the day (which are somewhat different from
what they are now) and also explains the role and aims of the RF Cadet
School. Justice Morris has rejected any allegation of widespread sexual abuse
and he found that any abusive behaviour was that of cadets to cadets and did
not involve the Regular Force NCOs or Officers. However, even accepting the
"background context" it appears that that a number of RF Cadets had
to put up with treatment meted out by their comrades, which no person should
have been exposed to in any circumstances. For that I express my sincere
regrets. The family of Cadet
Grant Bain who was killed at the RF Cadet School in 1981 have suffered in a
very significant way through the loss of a son and a brother. Although
Justice Morris largely exonerates the Army in respect to decisions made at the
time concerning criminal charges, I acknowledge that words will never be
sufficient to alleviate the grief felt by Cadet Bain's family. Notwithstanding the
fact that many of the events in question happened two or more decades ago,
the findings of the Morris Report will doubtless be of concern to the public
and give rise to questions over current practices. For this reason I welcomed
an administrative review to examine the efficacy of current policies and
practices of the NZ Defence Force to prevent physical, sexual and other
abuse. I am pleased to advise that the Review found the NZ Defence Force's
policies for the prevention and management of abuse are sound and personnel
throughout the NZ Defence Force are striving to implement those policies. There is a strong
awareness of the need to provide a safe working environment and to protect
people from all forms of abuse. Commanders at all levels saw this as an
integral part of their leadership responsibilities. I wish to assure
families who entrust their family members to us to prepare and train them for
service in the Defence Force, that we take this responsibility seriously. If
there are shortcomings, failures or wrong doings, those responsible will be
held to account and face the consequences of carrying out unauthorised
actions or allowing them to take place. |