Government launches inquiry into Tony Robertson case

Tony Robertson appears for sentencing in the Auckland High Court for the rape and murder of Blessie Gotingco. Photo / Jason Oxenham, NZ Herald

The inquiry into the Government's handling of notorious killer and rapist Tony Robertson will include a broader review of the way all high-risk offenders are managed after they are released from jail.

Justice Minister Amy Adams and Corrections Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga released the draft terms of reference for the inquiry this afternoon, which would be led by highly respected public servant Mel Smith.

Ms Adams said: "As a former Ombudsman and Acting Secretary for Justice, Mr Smith brings a wealth of experience of the public sector and has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality reviews that are above reproach."

Mr Smith has previously chaired several ministerial reviews - on the 1999 general election, the criminal justice sector in 2007, and the employment of a sex offender in the education sector in 2012.

Robertson was last week sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum-non-parole period of 24 years for murder and preventive detention for rape.

Robertson raped and murdered Blessie Gotingco in May 2014, five months after being released from jail for abducting and indecently assaulting a child.

He was living in the community on an extended supervision order, which included 24-hour GPS tracking.

Mr Lotu-Iiga said in a statement: "In light of the public safety issues arising from Mr Robertson's offending while subject to release conditions, it is important that the inquiry answers the many questions the public has around the agencies' management of the case."

The inquiry would look at three areas - the Corrections Department's management of Robertson before and following his release his prison; the way government agencies dealt with Robertson's offending following his release from prison; and the operation practices relating to the release of high-risk offenders.

The third part of the inquiry would include an investigation of the adequacy of electronic monitoring.

The inquiry will report back in November.