Police reviewing historical sexual abuse allegations against former National MP
Sunday, 22 September 2024
Police have announced they’re reviewing historical sexual abuse complaints in relation to former National Party minister Anthony “Aussie” Malcolm.
Stuff earlier revealed Malcolm was subject to least three police investigations into alleged child sexual abuse before he died recently in Whangārei, aged 83, following what his family described as a short illness.
Police have since confirmed they were aware of four complaints about Malcolm over the years. There were two active investigations into Malcolm at the time of his death.
Warning: This story contains details that may upset some readers.
A man who alleges he was violated more than 30 years ago is “thankful” police are reviewing a series of historical sexual abuse complaints involving a former politician.
Stuff earlier revealed Anthony “Aussie” Malcolm was at the centre of at least three police investigations into alleged child sexual abuse before he died recently, aged 83, following what his family described as a short illness.
Police have since confirmed they were aware of four complaints about Malcolm over the years. There were two active investigations into Malcolm at the time of his death.
On Saturday, a police spokesperson told Stuff police were conducting a review of historical sexual abuse complaints involving Malcolm.
at least three police investigations into alleged child sexual abuse before he died recently, aged 83, following what his family described as a short illness.'/>A detective superintendent had been assigned to oversee the process, with terms of reference to be drawn up in the coming days. Police would be liaising directly with complainants.
“While police are unable to prosecute someone who has died, we take complaints of this nature seriously, and will work to ensure victims have access to appropriate support services.”
The announcement came after three of the complainants told Stuff they wanted a review of police’s handling of the investigations.
The first investigation into Malcolm was launched in 1992, and looked into allegations a teenager, who we will call Brett, was violated by Malcolm in the three years prior.
A friend of Brett’s, who we are calling Daniel, also laid a complaint in 1992 regarding an incident on a boat with Malcolm when he was 15 years old.
Then, in 2012, a 10-year-old boy, who Stuff is calling Nathan, told his mother he’d been sexually assaulted by the ex-Cabinet minister about a year earlier, and police were notified.
In all three cases no charges were filed. Police earlier said that in relation to Daniel and Brett’s complaints police at the time determined that the Solicitor General’s Guidelines for prosecution had not been met.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority (then the PCA) examined the 1992 police investigation into Brett’s complaint, and was satisfied with the outcome, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster earlier said.
In July, Brett and Nathan were contacted separately by a senior Northland detective who said he was leading an investigation into the allegations they’d raised during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.
Speaking to Stuff on Sunday, Brett said he was “thankful” a review was possible.
“Although I couldn't get to look Aussie in the eye and read him my victim impact statement in a New Zealand court, possibly others can hear it and understand what it feels like to have my innocence stolen from me and the pain that his actions have caused.
“He dropped a large stone in my pond and the ripples have radiated out through all aspects of my life. There has to be some accountability, he may not be able to be held accountable but others can and should.”
Daniel told Stuff he wanted “the system fixed”.
“I hope they take a huge mirror and take a look at themselves and their actions and also look into the judicial system. There needs to be systemic change in the way these complaints are handled.”
Brett earlier told Stuff he wanted a review into the previous investigations.
“I really feel that we need to have a lot more transparency… I feel that there needs to be a very deep inquiry.”
Daniel supported Brett’s call for a review.
'The systemic failure has caused multiple people to have their lives screwed over by allowing that person to continue to hurt people.'
Nathan said it felt like there was a system in place to “protect people like Aussie”.
'Prior to when I was even born people were coming out with information about what he did.'
David Pearson, the detective who led the first investigation into Malcolm, told Stuff on Monday he believed Brett, and thought there would be others, but there wasn’t enough evidence to lay charges.
Malcolm denied the sex abuse allegations when interviewed - and later made a lengthy complaint to the Independent Police Conduct Authority about his treatment by police.
Last week Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he was “completely unaware” of the “very serious allegations” Malcolm faced before Stuff first reported them.
A member of Malcolm’s family declined to comment when contacted on Monday.
Malcolm served in the Muldoon Government, working as a Cabinet minister with varied portfolios - including railways, health and immigration.
He had come to Parliament after training as a social worker and then ran an advertising company. Post-Parliament, he turned his passion for yachting into a fourth career, managing New Zealand’s first challenge for the America’s Cup.
Born in Australia, Malcolm moved to New Zealand as a child and attended Wellington College where his classmates nicknamed him 'Aussie“. The name stuck with him his whole life.
In 1975, Malcolm defeated Labour’s Mike Moore to win the Eden electorate for the National Party, a seat he would hold for three terms.
His political career came to an end in 1984, when Labour reclaimed the seat in a landslide election.
His work as a director of New Zealand’s first America’s Cup campaign saw the team secure the largest sporting sponsorship of the time, bringing in millions to fund the team.
Malcolm remained involved in yachting, and was a member of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron for more than 40 years.
He also went on to pursue a diverse range of business ventures.
He founded the immigration consultancy Malcolm Pacific, and co-founded the country’s biggest diving company Dive! Tutukaka, in Northland. Malcolm ceased being a director and shareholder of the business more than a decade ago.
Sexual violence: where to get help
Rape Crisis 0800 88 33 00, click link for local helplines.
Victim Support 0800 842 846.
Safetalk text 4334, phone 0800 044 334 webchat safetotalk.nz or email support@safetotalk.nz.
The Harbour Online support and information for people affected by sexual abuse.
Women’s Refuge 0800 733 843
Male Survivors Aotearoa Helplines across NZ, click to find out more (males only).
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.
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