Newstalk ZB
May 13 2004

Police secret files can be opened

The way has been cleared for all confidential files relevant to the inquiry into police conduct to be opened.

Parliament has voted to pass the Police Complaints Authority Amendment Bill which effectively extinguishes the power of the PCA to keep files secret.

The bill was rushed through Parliament's order paper in March, to speed the process of the Commission of Inquiry.

Files which will now be able to be accessed include police notes from Louise Nichols' original complaint and evidence from anyone else who came forward against the police.

The legislation has been slammed by the Police Association.