The Ministry of Social Development has announced details of an independent security review following the fatal shooting at a Work and Income office in Ashburton.
Work and Income staff members Peg Noble and Leigh Cleveland were killed and colleague Lindy Curtis injured when they were shot at their workplace on Monday.
At a briefing this morning, the ministry's chief executive Brendan Boyle said the inquiry, led by former Police Commisioner Rob Robinson and Deloitte New Zealand chairman Murray Jack, will determine whether all practicable steps were taken to ensure the safety of staff. They aim to report back within two weeks.
Secondly, a longer-term review will investigate what security changes are needed to ensure safety of staff and members of the public from threats and assaults.
Mr Boyle says from next week, security guards at Work and Income centres will control entry and may ask for identification. If anyone is assessed as being a risk, they may be refused entry.
A scene investigation at the Work and Income office in Ashburton after the shootings. Photo: RNZ / Jemma Brackebush
One hundred extra security guards are being deployed at Work and Income offices nationwide following a rash of threats against the agency since the shootings.
Police have charged a 48-year-old man, John Tully, with murder and attempted murder.
