Human Rights chief named

Press, 26 July 1983, Page 3

Human Rights chief named

PA Wellington A High Court Judge in Auckland, Mr John Hamilton Wallace, would be the next Chief Human Rights Commissioner, said the Minister of Justice, Mr McLay, yesterday. Mr Justice Wallace’s appointment will take effect when necessary legislative changes are enacted to overcome the current difficulties of a judge holding the post.

Mr Justice Wallace has been a judge for a year. He was a former chairman of the Equal Opportunities Tribunal, and a member of the 1978 Royal Commission on the Courts.

The post of Chief Commissioner has been vacant since Mr Pat Downey’s term expired in April. Mr McLay said that the opportunity to appoint Mr Justice Wallace was particularly fortunate, because it came when the Government was anxious to emphasise its commitment to the Human Rights Commission Act’s principles, and to emphasise the commission’s importance. Mr Justice Wallace had "already made a significant contribution in the human rights field,” said Mr McLay.

With Mr Justice Wallace’s appointment, the Human Rights Commission would now be based in Auckland, the Prime Minster, Mr Muldoon, told reporters after

yesterday morning’s Cabinet meeting. Mr Muldoon said Mr Justice Wallace was “a man of some considerable capacity.” Mr Muldoon said that the way was now open for the appointment of further commissioners. The Government had “a long list” of suitable people, he said. The commission’s transfer <to Auckland was considered a sensible move as the Race Relations Conciliator, Mr Hiwi Tauroa, was based there and much of the work of the commission emanated from the Auckland area, he said. Mr Muldoon said that any changes Mr Justice Wallace might propose to the Human Rights Act would be given “serious consideration.”

“Knowing the man, I would have some confidence that in due time the rather tattered image of the Human Rights Commission might be put back on the rails,” said Mr Muldoon, a long-time critic of Mr Downey. Mr McLay said that Mr Justice Wallace would take up his new post as soon as an additional High Court judge had been appointed. However, he would continue to hold office as a High Court judge.

The Opposition’s spokesman on Justice, Mr F. D. O’Flynn, also welcomed the appointment, saying Mr Justice Wallace’s credentials were “beyond any question.”