Lawyer โขAccuses Government of โ’Double Standards’ in Tom Phillips Inquiry
WELLINGTON, โฃNewโ Zealand – prominent lawyerโข Dennis Gates has publicly โaccused the Government of applying “double standards” in its handling of โthe inquiry into allegations โof โabuse at Gloriavale, specifically concerning the โขcase of Tom Phillips. Gates, representing former Gloriavale members, claimsโ the level of scrutiny and resources dedicated to Phillips’ case contrasts sharply with theโ approach taken regarding broader allegations โขof systemic abuse withinโ the โคisolated community.
The โcriticism stems from โฃthe Government’s decision to launch a separate, independentโค inquiry focused solely on the circumstances surrounding Phillips’ departure from Gloriavale and subsequent attempts to reintegrate, while a wider investigation into historical allegations ofโ abuse – including claims of child suffocationโค – continues through โคpolice and Oranga Tamariki.Gates argues this prioritisation suggests a disproportionate concern for Phillips, a high-profile โขfigure who publiclyโ shared his story, over the experiences โofโฃ numerous other alleged victims. “It feels like there’s oneโ rule forโ Tom and another for everyone else who suffered within Gloriavale,” Gates stated.
The inquiry into Phillips’ case,โ announcedโ earlier thisโ month, will โbe led โby independent investigator David Jonesโค QC. It will examine theโค actions of Oranga Tamariki and other government โagencies in relation to Phillips’ โwelfare andโข reintegration โefforts.
This development follows a New Zealand Herald investigation revealing police and Oranga Tamariki quietly launched aโข mass allegation investigation into โฃthe suffocation of babies and children at Gloriavale at the end of โฃlast year. More than 100 interviews were conducted, resulting in two formal police warnings.Police and OT also providedโข “suggested parenting techniques” to Gloriavale adults. This investigation โwas triggeredโค by evidence presented at the โขRoyal Commission.
Prior to the recent investigation, police and OT conducted a similar inquiry in 2017, offering parenting โคtips to Gloriavale leaders but โคconcluding without formalโ warnings orโ enforcement action.
The current situation highlights ongoing concerns about the โwelfare of Gloriavale’sโ young people, with Minister for Children Karen Upston stating that their safety and ability to โคthrive โคis the “number one priority.” Upston has announced plans to visit โคtheโ communityโ “as early as possible” next year.