(Statement) The Ministry of Immigration’s intention to appeal a
Supreme Court order to open the files on its new enforcement policy is most
unfortunate.
Such
contempt for transparency and accountability would be disappointing from any
government. From an administration that came to office promising freedom of
information, it is nothing short of deplorable.
At
a time when violent crime is out of control and the court system is overwhelmed
with serious matters, the government must explain why it would seek to waste
judicial resources, the valuable time of the Attorney General’s Office and
public funds in an attempt to keep this information secret.
Minister of Immigration Fred Mitchell has
repeatedly defended the new policy as both legal and necessary. Needless to
say, we disagree with him on both counts.
The court has essentially asked him to back up his
claims with the facts. What could it be that Mitchell and his senior staff have
to hide?
