The Dominion Post reports that the family of Liam Ashley has received a secret payout from the Department of Corrections. Compensation seems appropriate - negilgence on the part of the department played a large role in Ashley's murder. But why the secrecy? If the government is righting a wrong, shouldn't they do it in public so that everyone can see they have acted appropriately?
The only reasons I can think of are a perverse desire to avoid publicly admitting their liability, and a desire to discourage compensation claims for future wrongdoing. Neither is a very good look for the government.
