P.m. Brings Moyle Affair Into Allen Case (Press, 10 April 1984)

On 10 April 1984, Prime Minister Sir Robert Muldoon addressed reporters concerning the ongoing media interest in the alleged assault on Customs Minister Mr Allen, and his subsequent health issues. Muldoon referred to the 1976 Moyle affair, drawing a stark contrast between that incident and the current situation, suggesting that the matters surrounding Mr Allen were much more innocent. He invoked the public’s memory of the Labour Minister of Agriculture, Mr Moyle, who had resigned after a scandal involving differing accounts of police inquiries into his conduct. During the press conference, Muldoon declined to clarify his "innocent" comment and avoided responding directly to demands from New Zealand Party leader Mr Bob Jones for Mr Allen’s resignation. He criticised Television New Zealand for its perceived harassment of Mr Allen, who was reported to be on leave for health reasons, and he included the Parliamentary Press Gallery in his criticism for their sensational coverage. Muldoon stated that illness among Cabinet members was manageable and asserted there was no significant problem, although three Ministers were on leave. Mr Allen had recently been reported to be back in New Zealand after claims he was in Australia, and his health condition—specifically his diabetes—was discussed. He had complained about being assaulted while walking home from Parliament, and a neurosurgeon confirmed he was asked to provide a police report regarding Mr Allen. Despite the police investigation, there were no arrests so far. Muldoon compared the current media scrutiny to past incidents involving Labour ministers, claiming a "conspiracy of silence" among journalists at that time. When pressed about whether the media should disclose what they knew about Mr Allen, he suggested they should publish the details if they believed them to be true, implying the existence of libel protections. However, he noted that Mr Allen was granted two weeks of leave and had not been available for reporters’ inquiries. Mr Jones, voicing concern over the state of Mr Allen's health, called for the Minister of Police to disclose a forensic report related to the incident. He expressed that the pressures of Parliament could lead to difficult situations for members, advocating for compassion through resignation when warranted. In an unrelated matter, Muldoon also addressed questions about charging the press gallery rent for their offices. He defended the decision by arguing that media outlets profit from their work and therefore should contribute to their operational costs. He highlighted that the press gallery often focuses on sensational news rather than comprehensive reporting of parliamentary activity, which he believes justifies the rent imposition. Muldoon concluded that any dissatisfaction he expressed was due to the journalists’ choices and practices, rather than a personal vendetta against them.

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