New Zealand Parliament Recommends Brendan John Horsley as Inspector-General of Defence

The House of Representatives unanimously recommended Brendan John Horsley for appointment as the new Inspector-General of Defence. The motion, proposed by Associate Minister of Defence Chris Penk and supported by Labour and Green parties, marks a pivotal step in establishing independent oversight for New Zealand’s Defence Force activities.

This role was created following recommendations from an inquiry into Operation Burnham, aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability within military operations. The Inspector-General's office will be responsible for investigating incidents related to the Defence Force, assessing subsequent actions or omissions, and identifying areas for policy improvement.

Associate Minister Penk outlined Mr. Horsley’s extensive experience in his current role as Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security since June 2020. In this capacity, he oversees the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (SIS) and the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), ensuring they operate lawfully and effectively. His prior positions include Deputy Solicitor-General at Crown Law from 2014 to 2020 and national director of the Public Defence Service under the Ministry of Justice from 2011 to 2014.

Labour Party representative Peeni Henare supported Mr. Horsley’s appointment, citing his significant qualifications and expertise in intelligence oversight. He emphasized the importance of parliamentary oversight and ministerial responsibility over defense matters.

Green Party spokesperson Teanau Tuiono also endorsed the motion, highlighting the role's focus on transparency and accountability. He noted that Mr. Horsley’s experience is well-suited to scrutinizing Defense Force activities and preventing future issues through rigorous investigation and policy assessment.

The Inspector-General will collaborate with other oversight bodies such as WorkSafe, the Human Rights Commissioner, and the Independent Police Conduct Authority. This collaborative approach aims to ensure comprehensive scrutiny of Defence Force operations.

Mr. Horsley’s appointment is intended as an interim measure from January 26, 2025, until a longer-term appointment can be made by late 2025. The unanimous support for his recommendation reflects a shared commitment across party lines to uphold high standards of accountability within New Zealand's defense framework.

This development marks a significant step towards enhancing the integrity and transparency of military operations in New Zealand, with Mr. Horsley’s extensive experience positioning him well to navigate the complexities of this new role.