Restrictions on MP prison visits
Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis is asking all MPs to check with his office before they visit a prison.
The request comes in a letter sent this week to all MPs, in which Davis asks for any requests to go through his private secretary.
Davis says he’s trying to ease pressure on Corrections staff. But the demand has incensed ACT leader David Seymour, who says Davis is ‘‘unlawfully restricting prisoners’ rights’’.
It follows a row between Police Minister Stuart Nash and National MP Chris Bishop over a visit to a Christchurch domestic violence programme.
Davis’ letter sets out ‘‘certain expectations and protocols’’ that he wants MPs to follow when arranging to see an offender. He said prison directors were the most appropriate people to guide MPs during a visit.
It’s understood he issued the missive after four MPs tried to visit a prison at once.
Former corrections minister Judith Collins sent a similar letter to parliamentary colleagues in March 2016.
She came in for heavy criticism from Labour and the Greens. At the time, Labour’s Annette King said Collins was being ‘‘controlling’’.
Last year, then-corrections minister Louise Upston and exNZ First MP Mahesh Bindra clashed over his unannounced visit to Mt Eden prison.
Seymour said the Corrections Act 2004 was very clear – and MPs can’t hold the Government to account ‘‘if we need their permission to do it’’.
‘‘Minister Davis was a lion for prisoner rights in Opposition. Now he is a lamb who’s unlawfully restricting prisoner’s rights,’’ he said. ‘‘The right of MPs to inspect the Government’s imprisonment of citizens is a centuries-old safeguard in our democracy.’’
But Davis insisted he was trying to improve access to prisons.
In the letter he says: ‘‘I would encourage you to visit during your term in Parliament.
‘‘Facilitating a visit to a prison by an MP requires a significant amount of organisation by a number of people to ensure a visit goes safely and smoothly.
‘‘Corrections staff are proud of their facilities, and are happy to accommodate visitors provided certain protocols . . . are followed.’’
In a statement to Stuff, Davis said ‘‘all MPs are entitled to visit prisons and it’s important for MPs to have this access’’.
‘‘As my letter says, I encourage all MPs to visit and see the excellent work being carried out by corrections staff to keep the public safe, and help people change their lives for the better,’’ he said.
‘‘My top priority is safety – of the public, staff, prisoners and visitors to corrections’ sites – and my letter outlines established protocols that are in place to ensure that safety and security.
‘‘I’ve reminded MPs of the longstanding process in place for arranging visits – which includes contact with the Corrections Private Secretary in my office, so we can ensure suitable arrangements are made and supporting material is provided.’’