Doug Martin named to lead inquiry into crown entity accused of spying on insurance claimants

State Services Commissioner Peter Hughes has today released the full terms of reference for the inquiry into whether Southern Response has breached State Services conduct standards. Photo / Mark Mitchell

State Services Commissioner Peter Hughes has today announced that Doug Martin will lead the inquiry into whether or not Southern Response has breached State Services Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Southern Response was responsible for settling earthquake insurance claims made by AMI insurance policyholders in Canterbury.

Hughes said he has asked Martin to look at Southern Response's use of Thompson & Clark Investigations.

The Auckland-based private investigation firm has been accused of spying on environmentalist groups in the past.

Hughes said he has also asked Martin to consider whether there were issues around the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's use of Thompson & Clark Investigations.

"Separate to the inquiry, I am also looking more broadly at the use of private investigators by State services agencies to assure myself that they are being used in ways that are consistent with the requirements of the State Services Code of Conduct and that the behaviour of the investigators themselves also meets those standards."

The inquiry will not make recommendations regarding any individual insurance claim.

Hughes said since announcing the inquiry last week, the chief executive of Southern Response had advised him that staff had received threats and were concerned for their personal safety.

"Our job is to ensure that the inquiry gets to the bottom of the allegations made and establishes the facts of the case," Hughes said.

"However, it is completely unacceptable for State servants to be subjected to threats and abuse simply for doing their job.

"All State servants deserve to work in a safe environment.

"I will not tolerate threats, abuse or violence directed at State servants."

It was expected that all government agencies operated with a zero-tolerance approach to any such behaviour including referring it to police if necessary, he said.

Martin is a former Deputy State Services Commissioner and one of the main architects of the State Sector Act 1988.