The future of Sir Owen Glenn’s enquiry on domestic violence appears in jeopardy, after several of its members signed up with a rival league.
Glenn’s enquiry has been dogged by controversy, and many of the enquiry’s members have resigned in recent weeks.
But yesterday it emerged that many of those who resigned have signed up to a rival Indian league.
Indian billionaire and philanthropist Subhash Chandra last month confirmed the establishment of a rival enquiry, the Indian Domestic Violence Enquiry League.
The new enquiry has not been officially sanctioned, but agents for social workers, academics and criminologists all around New Zealand have been in discussions with the league.
Ramakant Desai, the CEO of the new league, told Indian media yesterday that the league would “shake the domestic violence enquiry world to its foundations.”
He promised a fast action-filled league that would appeal to those put off by traditional enquiry processes.
“The focus of most philanthropist-backed domestic violence enquiries is to establish the causes of domestic violence and then find solutions. That’s fine, and there will always be a place for those who enjoy the longer form of enquiry.
“But this new league will offer punters a faster, livelier style of investigation.”
Mr Desai confirmed that the league had already signed a number of social workers, academics and other experts from New Zealand.
He also confirmed that a number of the people signed up to the new league had been contracted to Glenn’s enquiry.
“It comes down to the money,” admitted one such person, who did not wish to be named.
“I have to do what is right for my family. I’ve only got a limited career in this game, and I have to maximise the opportunities given to me, because once I’m in my seventies I’ll probably have to slow down a bit.”
The woman believed that the new league would be good for the long-term future of the philanthropist-backed domestic violence enquiry industry.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Sir Owen Glenn, but it is time for a change. Shorter enquiries, new rules, and the very best experts from around the world playing off against each other in packed stadiums.
“I haven’t been so excited since I gained my Bachelor of Social Sciences from Waikato University.”
Another social worker currently contracted to the Glenn enquiry admitted that he was tempted to defect.
“I’ve had agents ringing me, asking me if I’m interested in joining the new league. A lot of my colleagues have gone over already, so, yes, it’s tempting.”
Sir Owen Glenn said he was not concerned about the rival Indian league.
“I’m sure a few psychologists and criminologists might be tempted by the big money,” said Glenn.
“But most people know that if they go there’s no coming back. This is an unsanctioned league, and who knows how long it will last? Will people really risk their careers for a bit of quick cash?”
Domestic violence expert and Radio Sport host Tony Veitch said the new Indian league would change the enquiry game for the better.
“The traditional enquiry path involves a lengthy process of gathering in information, hearing submissions and conducting interviews, and then writing a dense report that is unreadable to all but a few pointy-headed academics and do-gooders,” said Veitch.
“But that’s not even remotely appealing to the man on the street. What the crowds really want are the big hits.”
Imperator Fish 