There's assurance an inquiry into the Tom Phillips saga is important for the public, but also his children. 

Phillips was on the run with his kids for nearly four years, ending only when he died in September in a Police shootout. 

An inquiry's been confirmed to look at whether Government agencies took all practicable steps for the children's safety and welfare. 

Attorney-General Judith Collins told Mike Hosking we want to get this done so the children can better understand what unfolded. 

She says once they grow up it'd be helpful for them to know that some people tried very hard to for them. 

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