Justice Dept criticised

Press, 28 October 1982, Page 10

Justice Dept criticised

PA Wellington Top management in the Justice Department had been inconsistent, erratic and somewhat, self-seeking, said the Oppostion spokesman on justice, Mr F. D. O'Flynn, in Parliament.

Speaking during the Justice estimates debate, Mr O'Flynn (Island Bay) included the Minister of Justice, Mr McLay, in his criticisms.

Mr O’Flynn said that at the “very top” the department’s management had been looking for publicity and credit all the time instead of administering the department in a steady way.

There had been some changes in the department, but also increasing complaints and dissatisfaction, he said.

“The services have been over-pressed, run down in some places, faulty, and inadequate,” he said.

Mr O’Flynn said that the administration of the department in the last few years had been marked by a succession of administrative

bungles. He cited validating legislation required for jury trials in the District Courts.

In the Penal Review Committee’s report there was the hint of criticism of the methods off the Probation Service, and an inquiry in the service’s Christchurch office revealed “completely unprofessional and quite scandalous conduct,” There was also a “shambles” in the District Court offices in Wellington he said. Mr P. I. Wilkinson (Nat., Kaipara) defended Mr McLay, describing him as an “outstanding Minister.” He said that there had been “exceptionally important” recent changes in the court system.

Mr McLay said that Mr O’Flynn had made political criticisms directed at him as Minister but he also had made an unfair attack on “dedicated public servants.” Defending his department's record, he said that more law reformm committee reports had been implemented in the last six years than were seen under any Labour administration.