Labour Dept says staff not in gun

Labour Department officials have ruled out prosecuting their own staff over alleged failings in the lead-up to the Pike River mining tragedy.

Green Party MP Kevin Hague had sought clarification after the department laid 25 charges over alleged health and safety breaches at the West Coast mine.

He called on officials to consider action against their own staff, including Department of Labour inspectors whose job it was to ensure the mine was safe.

But Secretary of Labour Christopher Blake said no such action would be taken, leaving Hague disappointed but not surprised.

"That is the worrying thing. The lack of surprise should be of concern.

"There is a real risk that the department will get off without being held to account."

Hague wrote to Blake in November asking if department employees would be subject to action over a failure to comply with health and safety laws.

Blake responded last month that no such action had been taken, or been proposed.

He said the department had laid charges against Pike River Coal Ltd (in receivership), its former boss Peter Whittall and VLI Drilling Pty Ltd.

Hague said the response opened the way for a private prosecution against the department, but he was unsure if he would lead any legal action.

Spokesmen for the families of the Pike River 29, Bernie Monk, said no decision about a private prosecution would be taken until after the Royal Commission into the tragedy released its findings.

- © Fairfax NZ News