The review’s terms of reference
The purpose of the review was to consider whether MPI’s investigation in relation to Oxbow Dairies Limited was adequate and whether it was affected by improper motivation.
The scope of the review was:
- MPI's investigation in 2017 of Oxbow and others in relation to alleged offending against the Animal Welfare Act
- MPI's response to allegations in 2020 of offending by others; and
- MPI's handling of correspondence related to the case.
The review's findings
The review, summarised in a report by Michael Heron KC, found:
- The MPI investigation was adequate, was conducted in accordance with the MPI Prosecution Policy and Solicitor-General’s Prosecution Guidelines, and was not motivated by any improper purpose.
- Mrs Kuriger’s complaints about the investigation are not made out and, in any event, did not impact on the adequacy of the investigation.
- MPI’s response to Mrs Kuriger’s June 2020 complaint that no further investigation was required was appropriate.
- MPI's correspondence with the Kurigers following the June 2020 complaint was handled appropriately and respectfully.
The full report and terms of reference is available here:
Review of investigation into Oxbow Dairies Limited and related matters [PDF, 1 MB]
Our response
MPI considers the report a thorough and independent review of the matter. We accept its findings and consider the matter closed.