The Waikato Times
April 16, 2004

Govt won't pay rape probe bills

The Government will not pay the legal bills of those involved in police rape allegation inquiries.

But it is understood it may appoint lawyers to help people giving evidence at a commission of inquiry into the allegations. The commission will look at police handling of rape complaints against serving officers.

Calls have been made for the Government to help meet the legal costs of women who have come forward to the inquiry. Others likely to be involved are also seeking help.

But Attorney-General Margaret Wilson yesterday said the Government could only help in the inquiry, which was separate from police investigations into the allegations.





The Nelson Mail
April 16, 2004

Govt won't pay legal costs

The Government will not pay the legal bills of those involved in police rape allegation inquiries. But the Dominion Post said today it understood the Government may appoint lawyers to help people giving evidence at a commission of inquiry into the allegations. The commission will look at police handling of rape complaints against serving officers. Attorney-General Margaret Wilson said she did not think it was necessary for taxpayers to pay for people to have lawyers sitting through the inquiry.