9 March

Barry Matthews, Chief Executive of the Department of Corrections, today welcomed the release of the State Services Commissioner’s report into accountability for the performance issues highlighted in the earlier Auditor-General’s report into management of parole.

“The report is a very fair one as I expected,” said Mr Matthews. “It accurately summarises the facts and sets out clear expectations on what I need to do to improve the Department’s performance. I intend to act on these as a matter of urgency.

“I acknowledge the importance of regaining the Minister’s confidence and rebuilding the public’s trust in the Department.

“The State Services Commissioner has made it clear that as Chief Executive I will continue to be held accountable for the actions of the Department. The Commissioner has also made it clear that I will need to be able to demonstrate that the Department’s performance has improved and that I have secured the confidence of the Minister. This is as it should be.

“I remain committed to improving public safety. It is what I came into the Department to do. SSC’s report showed a number of improvements have already been made to the Department’s performance. However, it is a work in progress and clearly more needs to be done.
 
“I and my management team have a clear plan of action to remedy performance shortcomings in the Department, as outlined in the report, and we are now focused on getting on with it."

ENDS

Note to reporters:
The Chief Executive will not be commenting further. Mr Matthews’ focus now is on taking the Department forward.

For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:

• Phone: (04) 460 3365
• Email: commdesk@corrections.govt.nz
• After hours: (021) 761 828

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