Source: Radio New Zealand
Malachi Subecz was subjected to months of horrific abuse. Supplied
Children’s Minister Karen Chhour is yet to front questions on a scathing coroner’s report into the death of Malachi Subecz.
Coroner Janet Anderson report found everything possible went wrong for the 5-year-old in the last six months of his life.
Senior Cabinet Ministers have expressed shock at the report; Child Povery Reduction Minister Louise Upston taking a series of questions on it before Question Time this afternoon.
Chhour, who has responsibility for Oranga Tamariki, has declined requests for a short interview on the coroner’s report today.
RNZ first contacted her office to arrange an interview this morning, given the minister does not walk through reporter scrums at Parliament due to hearing issues.
Chhour struggled to find free time to talk on the coroner’s report. NZME / Mark Mitchell
In response to a follow-up query a few hours later, a spokesperson said they were “struggling to find even a free 2 mins in the Minister’s diary”.
Chhour was seen at a promotional event, showcasing the red meat sector for National Lamb Day, on the Speaker’s Lawn about lunchtime.
When that was raised with her office, the spokesperson replied: “Sorry she needed to eat”.
Anderson’s report highlighted serious concerns about the pace at which Oranga Tamariki has improved its system in response to Malachi’s death.
“They are not happpening fast enough,” she said.
Malachi Subecz died of a blunt force head injury at Starship Hospital in 2021. Supplied
She pointed out a previous system-wide review, led by the late Dame Karen Poutasi, recommended Oranga Tamariki run a public awareness campaign to help anyone identify possible signs of abuse and how to take action – but that had still not happened.
“It is hard to understand why this has not yet happened given the Oranga Tamariki Chief Executive’s statutory duties, and the previous recommendations that have been made about this matter, including by Dame Poutasi over three years ago.”
She recommended Oranga Tamariki prioritise and roll out an awareness campaign, and that “it must no longer be delayed”.
Chhour’s office provided a statement just before 6pm Wednesday night.
“I agree with Coroner Janet Anderson assessment that Malachi Subecz was the victim of unspeakable cruelty and deliberate evil, which no child should ever have to endure.
“My heart goes out to everyone who loved and cared for Malachi, for whom today’s findings will be incredibly painful.
“The Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention (the Centre) and Oranga Tamariki are supporting the work being led by MSD to implement recommendations from Dame Karen Poutasi’s report into the death of Malachi Subecz.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
