Thursday, November 25, 2004



Clearing the air

The PM has announced an inquiry into the allegations that the SIS spied on Maori groups. I guess a united stance from all other parties really can achieve something.

No matter what it turns up, I think this will clear the air. At the same time, we should not allow it to distract attention from the need for reform of the SIS's general oversight provisions. A committee that meets for one and a half hours a year and which is forbidden from investigating operational matters simply is not enough to watch the watchers. We need a broader committee, with real powers of investigation, which will hold the SIS to account for any "mission creep".

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