Pursuant to section 6(3) of the Inquiries Act 2013, I, The Right Honourable John Key, Prime Minister, hereby establish the Government Inquiry into Allegations Regarding The Honourable Judith Collins and a Former Director of the Serious Fraud Office ("Inquiry").
Background
The Cabinet Manual provides that a Minister of the Crown is, at all times, expected to act lawfully and to behave in a way that upholds, and is seen to uphold, the highest ethical standards.
Ultimately, Ministers are accountable to the Prime Minister for their behaviour (Cabinet Manual para 2.53).
There are recent allegations that, during her time as Minister of Police with responsibility for the Serious Fraud Office, The Honourable Judith Collins acted inappropriately to undermine the then Director of the Serious Fraud Office,
Adam Feeley.
I have determined that a Government Inquiry with full powers of inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2013 should be held into these allegations.
Membership
The Honourable Lester Hugh Chisholm, CNZM, is appointed to and constitutes the Inquiry.
Terms of Reference
This Inquiry will inquire into and report upon allegations that The Honourable Judith Collins was involved in efforts to undermine Adam Feeley during his tenure as Director of the Serious Fraud Office, including whether:
(1) there is any evidence Judith Collins acted inconsistently with the conduct expected of a Minister by undermining or attempting to undermine Adam Feeley's tenure as Director of the Serious Fraud Office; and
(2) Judith Collins provided information about Adam Feeley during his tenure as Director of the Serious Fraud Office to Cameron Slater or any other party who did not have a proper entitlement to receive such information; and
(3) Judith Collins inappropriately sought or received information about Adam Feeley from Cameron Slater or any other party; and will
(4) identify and report on any other issues relevant to the above matters, to the extent necessary to provide a complete report on those matters.
Reporting
The Inquiry is to report findings and opinions to the Prime Minister in writing no later than 28 November 2014.
Consideration of Evidence
The Inquiry may begin considering evidence on
12 September 2014.
Dated at Wellington this 8th day of September 2014.
RT HON JOHN KEY, Prime Minister.