AG Judith Collins Urges State and Faith-Based Institutions to Uphold Record Preservation Standards

The Attorney-General warned that individuals involved in the destruction of such records, believing they might be used as evidence of criminal activity, could face legal consequences.

Attorney-General Judith Collins has issued a stern reminder to all State and faith-based institutions about their legal duty to maintain records crucial for the safety and well-being of individuals in their care.

"The recent Abuse in Care Inquiry has highlighted troubling instances where records concerning the most vulnerable individuals were either never created, lost, or deliberately destroyed," Collins stated. "These records hold vital parts of the stories and histories of those in care and must be treated with the utmost respect and protection."

The Inquiry's report revealed that some institutions failed to collect information intentionally and, in some cases, actively destroyed documents as a protective measure for the organization. "It was noted that documents were often purposefully not gathered, and data was not recorded formally to shield the organization from accountability," Collins added.

The Attorney-General warned that individuals involved in the destruction of such records, believing they might be used as evidence of criminal activity, could face legal consequences. "Destroying documents to evade justice could constitute an offense, and those responsible may be prosecuted," she cautioned.

Collins commended organizations that diligently uphold their record-keeping responsibilities and emphasized the importance of compliance. "Laws are in place to protect our most vulnerable citizens, and those who fail to adhere to these obligations should be aware of both their responsibilities and the potential repercussions," she concluded.