4. JOHN KEY (Leader of the Opposition) Link to this
to the Prime Minister
Does she have confidence in the Minister for the Environment; if so, why?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Deputy Prime Minister) Link to this
Yes; because he is a hard-working and conscientious Minister.
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
The Prime Minister awaits the report of the State Services Commission.
What reason has Mr Mallard given the Prime Minister for refusing to apologise in the House at this point?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
Mr Mallard and the Prime Minister are both awaiting the report of the State Services Commission.
Is the reason Trevor Mallard will not apologise that Mr Mallard did not rely just on the briefing note when he defamed Erin Leigh in this House but he also relied on other information, that information came from two other people, David Parker and Heather Simpson, and that proves more than anything else that the Public Service is now politicised under Labour?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
No. I am advised the Minister did not talk to either of those people before giving the answer in the House.
Well, why then will the Minister for the Environment not apologise for something that the ministry itself is apologising for?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
The ministry, of course, has apologised to the Minister for giving information that the head of the ministry now considers to be inadequate.
Does the Prime Minister think that Trevor Mallard’s actions in the last few months live up to her promise that “The Labour Government will set new standards, both in terms of behaviour and performance, so that we will govern for the people and be accountable to them”; if so, how is that the case?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
The Prime Minister has a clear record of operating sanctions against Ministers who have not performed up to the required standard, unlike the member opposite, because, of course, when Dr Nick Smith was found guilty of contempt of court, his colleagues welcomed him back with applause and no sanction occurred. When Mr Tau Henare was engaged in the altercation with Mr Mallard, nothing happened to him.
Madam SPEAKERIs it not just the case that Mr Mallard has completely lost objectivity, that he no longer is in control of his own actions in this House, and that he is wrong, the Government is wrong, and the ministry is embarrassed by the spin that Mr Mallard has put on this; and why does the Prime Minister not just put Mr Mallard out of his misery before the New Zealand public do so in 10 months’ time?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
If the member really believes in the rule of law and of standards, then he will await the full inquiry report before rushing to judgment.