Key cool on inquiry into state abuse

Prime Minister John Key says an independent inquiry into historical abuse of children in state care would not “right the wrongs” for victims.

But despite his reservations, he will not go as far as ruling an inquiry out.

A panel chaired by Judge Carolyn Henwood that heard more than 1100 cases of abuse in state care between the 1950s and 1980s says the National-led Government ignored its recommendation for an independent inquiry into the extent of the abuse.

The Human Rights Commission also wants an inquiry, saying it would help prevent further abuse.

Speaking to Radio NZ yesterday, Key said he did not think an inquiry by an independent body would achieve a lot.

“First things first, you can never right the wrongs. These are people from the 50s and 60s for the most part who have suffered terribly at the hands of the state.

“Secondly, if you look at the best thing we can do, I think it is that process of settling directly with them, for the most part.”

The Ministry of Social Development has settled 900 claims with victims so far.

Key said there was no guarantee more victims would come forward if an inquiry was held, and the victims might not be any better off.

“Public inquiries of themselves don’t necessarily change the level of compensation.”

An inquiry in Britain had been “a bit of a disaster” and “had not delivered for the victims”, he said.

But despite his resistance to an inquiry, he repeatedly refused to rule one out.