October 28, 2022
Inspector general created for Defence
A bill to set up an independent inspector-general of Defence has been introduced to parliament.
It’s in response to the Operation Burnham Inquiry which found significant gaps in the way the Defence Force dealt with allegations of civilian casualties during operations in Afghanistan.
Defence Minister Peeni Henare says it’s an important piece of legislation which will address a lack of oversight and poor reporting lines from operations right up the chain of command.
“For our people on the ground, it should give them as well as the public more confidence that when out people are in operation in theatre or deployment we stick to the mandate that was agreed and we also make sure we operate and work within parameters that are acceptable on a number of levels – such matters as human rights amongst other things,” he says.
People will have the opportunity to have feedback on the Bill during the Select Committee stage.