TV3 move sparks call for inquiry

By JAMES GARDINER

Opposition MPs last night called for an inquiry into the attempted communication by TV3 newsreader John Campbell with the judiciary over the judge hearing the "Corngate" case.

Chief Justice Sian Elias and the High Court judge who heard the case, Justice Ron Young, have refused to comment and TV3 management is saying nothing after admitting to the Herald on Wednesday that the broadcaster had concerns over Justice Young's past links with the Labour Party.

The judge, who this week dismissed TV3's appeal against a Broadcasting Standards Authority finding that its "Corngate" report was biased, unbalanced and unfair on Prime Minister Helen Clark, was a law partner of a former Hamilton East Labour MP, the late Bill Dillon.

National Party justice spokesman and lawyer Richard Worth said if a judge felt there could be even a perception of bias he should consider stepping aside from hearing a case, whether or not the lawyers for the parties consented to him staying on.

"On the surface it looks irregular and it should be investigated," Mr Worth said.

NZ First leader Winston Peters, also a lawyer, said any approach to a judge in such a case should be made only by a solicitor acting for one of the parties.

Mr Peters said he could not understand why, if TV3 had concerns about Justice Young, they had not objected to him hearing the case.

Helen Clark, who laid the original complaint against TV3 so was party to the case and represented by Hugh Rennie, QC, has acknowledged only that a matter of that nature was raised in chambers.

Helen Clark was furious at the way she believed she was ambushed in an interview by Campbell in which he refused to reveal the source of allegations that the Government attempted to cover up the planting of genetically modified sweetcorn.

She later labelled Campbell a "little creep".

Justice Ministry judicial communications officer Neil Billington said the judiciary was not prepared to discuss or comment on the case.

It has been suggested the call was made to Mr Billington, querying whether the judiciary was aware of Justice Young's links to Mr Dillon.

However, when asked if he received a call or telephone message from Campbell, Mr Billington said: "I work for the judiciary. I do not add anything to what the judiciary are going to say or not going to say. I can't discuss any aspect of the case. The judges can't and neither can I."

He said that was because it could result in questioning of the judgment or make it subject to further legal proceedings.

"My advice is to approach the parties to the case."

But the parties have declined to comment further and Campbell did not return calls.

He is believed to be upset that he has embarrassed his employer, but has been ordered not to comment.

Attorney-General Margaret Wilson said she would not discuss the conduct of this case or any other.

"The justice system is equipped to deal with situations involving a conflict of interest within a trial.

"It is a matter that litigants can raise in court."