Former National Party MP Anthony 'Aussie' Malcolm Likely Sexually Abused Children, Police Review Reveals

Anthony 'Aussie' Malcolm, a former National Party MP and Cabinet minister, is now believed to have engaged in coercive and/or criminal sexual conduct with multiple young boys, according to a recent police review. The findings were released under the Official Information Act and revealed a troubling pattern of behavior that spanned several decades.

Allegations and Findings

The review, initiated following referrals from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care, looked into allegations that span from 1992 to 2018. The investigation involved six complainants, all male and underage at the time of the alleged incidents. While no prosecutions occurred during Malcolm’s lifetime, the police review suggests that the cumulative evidence could have supported charges, particularly in the case of Complainant C.

Complainant A, who alleged repeated sexual abuse between the ages of 15 and 19 in the early 1990s, had credible evidence but was not prosecuted due to legal limitations, including ambiguity around consent. Complainant B corroborated these allegations, stating Malcolm engaged in grooming behavior. However, the lack of accessible records from that time hindered further investigation.

Complainant C, who was 9-10 years old in 2012, alleged sexual abuse while in Malcolm’s care. The investigation concluded there was insufficient evidence for prosecution, citing custody disputes and the lack of corroboration. Earlier complaints were not accessible due to outdated record-keeping practices.

Complainant D, whose allegations were from 2018, initially reported abuse but later retracted the claim, citing the influence of his mother. Social workers and psychological assessments supported the retraction, leading to the halt of further action.

Two new complainants, E and F, came forward after Malcolm’s death in September 2024. Complainant E alleged molestation in 1977, when they were 11 years old. Complainant F reported indecent exposure in 2013. These cases are now being documented for support purposes.

Consistent Pattern of Behavior

According to the review, Malcolm’s alleged behavior followed a consistent pattern: targeting vulnerable boys aged 9-16, gaining their trust through fostering or mentorship, isolating victims, and initiating abuse in private settings. The review noted that Malcolm ceased advances when directly rejected, suggesting a calculated approach.

The report highlights that the alleged behavior reflects a clear modus operandi, which could support propensity evidence under current legal standards. However, the lack of historical file retention and inter-agency communication hindered earlier detection and action.

Malcolm’s Political Career

Malcolm was first elected as MP for Eden in 1975, defeating the then-upcoming politician and future Prime Minister Mike Moore. He served as an immigration minister and was a staunch supporter of then-Prime Minister Robert Muldoon. His tenure included approving the controversial South African rugby team’s tour of New Zealand in 1981.

After his political career, Malcolm founded Malcolm Pacific Immigration and was involved in the Association of Migration and Investment. He also backed New Zealand’s first America’s Cup Campaign in 1986 and 1987.

Police Response

Detective Superintendent Darryl Sweeney stated that police had contacted the complainants to explain the circumstances of their individual cases and update them on the findings of the review. He acknowledged the courage of the victims in coming forward and emphasized the importance of the review in identifying lessons for future investigations.

Sweeney noted that modern police file management systems and oversight from three territorial detective superintendents ensure that victims and offenders can be linked much earlier, helping to identify patterns of offending.

The police review serves as a stark reminder of the systemic issues in historical file retention and communication, which hindered early detection of Malcolm’s alleged misconduct. As the investigation into his legacy continues, the focus remains on supporting victims and improving transparency in future cases.