"The attorney general, Judith Collins, said on Thursday the decision to establish a public inquiry was due to the significant public interest in the case, and concern with the children's welfare. The inquiry will look into whether government agencies took all practicable steps to protect the safety and welfare of the Phillips children, Collins said in a statement."
"The terms of reference cited the exceptional, if not unique facts of the case and said the inquiry would investigate agencies' engagement with Phillips before and after he disappeared. Justice Simon Moore KC has been appointed the sole member of the inquiry, which will be conducted in private to ensure the children's safety. A report is due back in July 2026."
The government announced a public inquiry into authorities' handling of fugitive father Tom Phillips and his three children. Phillips disappeared just before Christmas 2021 after a dispute with the children's mother and did not have legal custody. In August he was killed in an exchange of fire with police after burglary reports in Piopio; a police officer was shot and required surgery. Two children were found at a Waitomo campsite and the third was with Phillips during the shooting. The children are now in Oranga Tamariki custody. Justice Simon Moore KC will lead a private inquiry to examine agencies' actions before and after the disappearance, with a report due July 2026.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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