Questions And Answers - Thursday, 15 March 2007

Questions And Answers - Thursday, 15 March2007 Questions to MinistersCorrections, Minister,MurderVictims Family1. Hon BILL ENGLISH (DeputyLeader,National) to the Minister of Corrections: Did heapologise for Rosetta Stone outlet the actions or failings of his Department ofCorrections when he met privately with the family of murdervictim Karl Kuchenbecker, if not, why not? Hon DAMIENO'CONNOR (Minister of Corrections): As I have already statedpublicly, I have expressed my regrets to the Kuchenbeckerfamily. However, as I realise this meeting pre-dated thereports release, I have now initiated contact with thefamily and extended an invitation to meet them at anytime.Hon Bill English: Can he explain, then, why thePrime Minister told this House yesterday that the Ministerand local member of Parliament had met with the family andsaid that they were very sorry for what had happened, whentoday we hear from Paul Kuchenbecker that he did not takewhat was said in the meeting with two Government Ministersas being an apology for the death of his son? Hon DAMIENO'CONNOR: In checking with the transcript today, I see PaulKuchenbecker stated: I took on board this as a personalapology from himself. I offered that apology in apersonal setting, and I stand by that.Jill Pettis: Giventhat the Minister has acknowledged that mistakes were made,could he please advise what steps he is taking to improvethe system?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: As Rosetta Stone Spanish Spain I have already said,probation officers have been issued with new instructions sothat, firstly, parolees will have to report more frequently,secondly, probation officers will take quicker actionfollowing breaches, and, thirdly, the Department ofCorrections will provide better information to the ParoleBoard before parole is granted. Also, the Government haslegislation before the House that will include options forthe police to have greater powers to recall parolees.HonBill English: Can the Minister confirm that both he and thePrime Minister yesterday thought that they would get awaywith a low-key, private meeting before the Department ofCorrections failings were evident to the public, and thatthe only reason that he hasorganised,[Interruption]Madam SPEAKER: Members shouldallow the member to complete his question. Could the memberplease start again.Hon Bill English: I will start again.Can the Minister confirm that he and the Prime Ministeryesterday thought that they would get away with a low-key,private visit and apology before the failings of theDepartment of Corrections and the Ministry of Justice wereknown, and that the only reason he has organised anothermeeting is that,[Interruption] I raise a point of order,Madam Speaker. The Rosetta Stone Spanish V3 Minister of Justice, who was involved inthis horrendous mess, is sitting there, consistently abusingme through the process of my asking the question.MadamSPEAKER: I am sorry, but I did not hear that as abuse. Iheard comment, as is not unusual when members ask questions.The member could be clearly heard when asking his question,so I would ask him to continue, please.Hon Bill English:Can the Minister confirm,[Interruption] Madam SPEAKER:Order, please.