# Justice Ministry Review Finds Leadership Issues

> Justice Ministry review reveals leadership failures after former Lotto presenter's misconduct case.
- Title: Justice Ministry Review Finds Leadership Issues · RNZ
- Summary: Justice Ministry review reveals leadership failures after former Lotto presenter's misconduct case.
- Keywords: ministry of justice, russell harrison, lottos presenter, public service commission, justice minister paul goldsmith, organised crime, money laundering, RNZ
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/political/2551809/sobering-review-ordered-over-former-lotto-presenter-finds-swathe-of-issues-at-ministry-of-justice
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-11-11T22:17:24+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ministry of justice, russell harrison, lottos presenter, public service commission, justice minister paul goldsmith, organised crime, money laundering, politics, news
## Ministry Review Ordered
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith ordered a rapid review of his ministry in August after its handling of a former employee.
## Former Lotto Presenter Suspended
Former Lotto presenter Russell Harrison was suspended for five years on full pay - more than $500,000 - as he faced charges relating to organised crime.
## Harrison Pleads Guilty
Harrison pleaded guilty to money laundering in July and lost his job as a kaiārahi - Family Court navigator.
## Public Service Commission Review
The Public Service Commission described the Harrison case as a microcosm for broader findings of leadership and accountability issues.
## Leadership Failures
Leaders were not sufficiently focussed on public trust, too accepting of flawed internal advice, and overly concerned about legal action.
## No Decisive Action
Over five years, no single leader made a decisive call on how to proceed with disciplinary actions.
## Key takeaway

Justice Ministry review shows leadership failures and poor accountability after former Lotto presenter Russell Harrison's five-year suspension for organised crime.