8. Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) Link to this
to the Minister of Labour
Does she stand by all answers to supplementary questions given on her behalf in the House yesterday; if not, which were not accurate?
Carol BeaumontHow does the Minister reconcile her statement to the Auckland District Law Society that her reason for not attending a National Distribution Union executive meeting was diary clashes, with a message to the union secretary, left by the Minister’s staff member, saying that the Minister would not attend, because the risks of attending were too high given that another union had been involved in strike action against Telecom?
Hon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
There was obviously some confusion in my office. I will take responsibility for that, because I actually believe in good employment relationships and I believe in backing my employers. But, at the end of the day, it was a diary clash.
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I think the member made a mistake. I am not trying to be disruptive. I think she meant “employees”.
Mr SPEAKERHon Trevor Mallard Link to this
Where was the Minister between 10 o’clock and 11 o’clock yesterday morning?
If the Minister is happy to answer the question, she can, but I am not sure about its direct relationship to the primary question.
Hon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
I was in Auckland. I was at a meeting that involved one of my other ministerial portfolios.
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
Why did the person who left the message on the Minister’s behalf tell the National Distribution Union that the risks of her attending the meeting were too high?
Hon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
Unfortunately the department did advise that there were some risks, but, as I said, there was confusion in my office. I find it really disappointing that a union that stands for protecting employees and employees’ rights is prepared to drag one of my staff through the media just as a political ploy for the Labour Party.