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The State Services Commissioner is to consider a complaint that Corrections chief executive Barry Matthews has acted inappropriately in his handling the Graeme Burton case.
National Justice spokesman Simon Power wrote to the Commissioner, Mark Prebble, on Wednesday. The letter asked whether Mr Matthews' public comments on the case were "appropriate behaviour on the part of a public service chief executive".
Findings released this week that Burton's parole was well-managed and that correct procedures were followed have been greeted with derision by many commentators, notably Mr Power.
Prime Minister Helen Clark has also expressed concern about the approach Corrections and the Parole Board took in the Burton case.
Mr Power's letter asked Mr Prebble to consider whether Mr Matthews' conduct had been consistent with his statutory responsibility to maintain public safety.
"I would also question the appropriateness of Mr Matthews' refusal to take any responsibility for his department's failings, both in the supply of information to the Parole Board and in the management of Burton's parole," Mr Power said.
"This contrasts with the acknowledgment of responsibility by the chairman of the Parole Board, Judge David Carruthers, and with the statement by the Prime Minister that she considers that both agencies displayed shortcomings."
Mr Matthews said the letter was addressed to the State Services Commissioner and it would be inappropriate for him to comment.
