Sam Lotu-Iiga backs Greens’ position on independent prisons inspectorate

The Green Party is urging the new Minister of Corrections to pick up its Bill on an independent prisons inspectorate after the idea was backed by previous Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga.

In one of his last acts as Corrections Minister, Sam Lotu-Iiga yesterday backed the call for an independent prisons inspectorate.

Green Party corrections spokesperson David Clendon currently has a Bill establishing an independent prisons inspectorate in the ballot.

“I encourage the new Corrections Minister, Judith Collins, to pick up my Bill, which establishes an independent prisons inspectorate; it is all ready to go,” said Mr Clendon.

“In fact, in 2005, several National MPs said there was a ‘clear case for an independent prison inspector to comprehensively inspect and report on the state of our prisons’, in a Select Committee report on the Prisoners and Victims Claims Bill 2005.

“Community groups active in prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration have already voiced support for the establishment of an independent inspectorate.

“Given the catastrophic failings at Mt Eden Prison and the worrying reports out of Wiri, there is definitely a need to have an independent watchdog looking after our prisons.

“This is an issue where Judith Collins can get clear cross-party support. This would be a very positive first step for her as a new Minister,” said Mr Clendon.

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