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Government Orders Private Inquiry Into Handling of Phillips Children Case

Justice Simon Moore KC will lead the review with a final report due 21 July 2026.

Overview

  • Attorney-General Judith Collins announced the inquiry to assess whether agencies took all practicable steps to protect the children's safety and welfare.
  • Proceedings will be conducted in private without public hearings to safeguard the children's privacy.
  • The Phillips family issued a statement welcoming the inquiry.
  • Police are continuing forensic examination of items removed from multiple heavily concealed camps near Marokopa and are investigating possible assistance to Tom Phillips.
  • A court injunction restricting publication of certain investigation details remains in place.