Newstalk ZB
April 8, 2004

Second meeting of police rape complaints inquiry


Comm of Inquiry into police conduct over rape complaints holds 2nd meeting as legislation regarding PCA material rushed through

The Commission of Inquiry into police conduct over rape complaints holds its second meeting in Wellington today.

The Government is rushing through legislation giving the commission access to Police Complaints Authority material, after the new body warned secrecy provisions would be a major hurdle.

With the ink on its terms of reference barely dry, the commission says it is keen to get the ball rolling.

At its inaugural meeting last month, one of the two commissioners, Justice Bruce Robertson, warned the blackout on PCA documents would seriously hamper its work.

The Government is now planning a temporary law change giving the commission access to relevant PCA files.

Justice Robertson and Dame Margaret Bazley hope to start hearings next month.