Full interview: Justice Ian Binnie speaks candidly on Bain report

  • Breaking
  • 12/12/2012

By 3 News online staff

The former Canadian Supreme Court judge assessing David Bain’s compensation claim says his report must be made public.

Justice Ian Binnie says he is unable to defend criticism of the report until Justice Minister Judith Collins releases it.

“It’s this Catch-22 position. The minister feels that it’s fine to make criticisms of the report, but she won’t allow the report to be released so I can answer them,” he told 3 News.

“Let it all be on the table and we can talk about it.”

Ms Collins revealed yesterday she had problems with Justice Binnie’s findings, saying his report was fundamentally flawed. She has since referred it to a QC for peer review.

Justice Binnie’s says he cannot address claims of “inaccuracies” while Ms Collins continues to hold onto the report. The former judge must adhere to a confidentially request issued by Ms Collins, under a solicitor-client privilege, which keeps his report completely confidential.

“The minister says that there are inaccuracies and misunderstandings, [but] she doesn’t say what they are, she won’t allow the report to be released, which would allow me to answer whatever concerns she has," he says.

“The report is paid for by public money, it’s a public report."

Justice Binnie says the report will eventually come to light, but may not be popular.

“My view is that it will all come up in the wash. At some point the facts will all be on the table.

“I don’t expect everyone in New Zealand to agree with me, I don’t expect everyone to be singing in the same voice, but I do expect a fair process.”

3 News

source: newshub archive