Turia gets the soft side-shuffle

By FRANCESCA MOLD

Former Associate Corrections Minister Tariana Turia has been quietly shifted out of the job in which she sparked controversy by allegedly meddling in the cases of individual prison inmates.

Mrs Turia's loss of the portfolio in last week's Cabinet reshuffle was overshadowed by news of the enlarged executive and the appointment of three new ministers to the inner circle of the Government.

It had been suggested that Mrs Turia was dumped from the role because of a row last year over the way she advocated for special treatment for certain inmates, including some from her hometown of Wanganui.

But the Government denied that suggestion yesterday, saying that as a result of the reshuffle Mrs Turia had taken on extra responsibility, including that of Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector.

A spokesman for Mrs Turia said she had offered to give up the Corrections role. She felt it would be easier to advocate on behalf of her constituents in the area of Corrections if she was not the associate minister.

Her workload had also increased to include responsibility for the Te Tai Hauauru seat.

Mrs Turia came under fire from the Opposition last year when National released documents showing she had tried to stop the transfer of an inmate, asked for prisoners to be moved closer to their families and requested a review of a prisoner's security classification.

National MP Tony Ryall argued at the time that the documents showed Mrs Turia had breached conflict of interest provisions in the Cabinet Office Manual by misusing her power to advantage a "privileged few".

Mr Ryall said yesterday Mrs Turia's removal had come a year too late.

"She should have gone at the time. The Prime Minister knew that Mrs Turia had acted inappropriately despite her bluster in her defence. This is a sensible move."

Labour MP Mita Ririnui, a former probation officer, takes up the post.