The long-awaited inquiry into Canterbury's prison "goon squad" will be held behind closed doors, raising concerns about its transparency and credibility.
New Zealand First MP Ron Mark said that while privacy and protection were important for prison staff making submissions, the public had a right to know the full extent of
evidence presented.
"We've already seen how the findings of the Corrections Department's own internal inquiry were hidden away from the public," he said.
"I would hate to think that at the end of the day, in the wash-up of this, the public are still going to be none the wiser."
Ailsa Duffy, QC, said that the inquiry she was leading on behalf of the State Services Commission would be "inquisitorial".
"At this time I see no need for any part of the inquiry to be heard in public," she said yesterday.
"Indeed, given the requests for confidentiality from a number of persons who have registered their interest in participating in the inquiry, I believe that an inquiry carried out in public may well be counter-productive to me being well-informed about the subject matter."
She had received 23 registrations of interest in the inquiry and had begun interviews. The inquiry report will be released publicly by mid-year.
It will cover how the Emergency Response Unit, known as the goon squad, was set up in 1999, its management, and how the department responded to allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
The squad was disbanded in June 2000 amid complaints from inmates of bullying and militant treatment of its members.
A select committee inquiry into the squad, sought by Opposition MPs, was refused by Corrections Minister Paul Swain last October.
A former squad member said staff wanted the inquiry aired in public so the matter dogging Canterbury prisons could be resolved.
Christchurch lawyer Rob Davidson said the inquiry was "a complete and utter waste of time. The terms of reference are so tight, it does not allow investigation of the broader issue of the culture of Paparua Prison. That's the only thing that needs investigating." ... "Transparency and accountability were being compromised in the name of political expediency."
- NZPA
