Sex scandal prompts event rules

Labour will put new parental consent and alcohol policies in place at future Young Labour events after a sex scandal.

A 20-year-old man is facing four charges of indecent assault after a police investigation into allegations relating to a Labour Party summer camp in June.

Labour has apologised for its handling of the matter and Labour Party President Nigel Haworth said yesterday a report commissioned after the Waitawheta Camp near Waihi in February had made several recommendations, which would all be adopted.

The recommendations include: a code of conduct to deal with issues including sexual harassment and sexual assault, alcohol, events and host responsibility, bullying and complaint procedures;

updated event registration and parental consent and risk disclosure information requirements and forms to ensure compliance with current best practice and all legislation relating to the care of minors at party-held events;

ensuring at least one Labour Party representative attend the entire event and be available throughout (to ensure compliance with safety and welfare expectations);

the Young Labour Party should also nominate a Welfare Officer to attend all events;

introducing a new, over-arching alcohol policy, formulated in consultation with expert external advice;

introducing a new open complaints process to enable complaints to be received and responded to without delay and with the appropriate degree of specialist advice.