Politics Blog - April 29 - May 5
Luxon stands by ministers who criticised Waitangi Tribunal
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon denies his ministers have breached the Cabinet Manual, after they criticised the Waitangi Tribunal.
While the Tribunal was investigating the Government's plan to remove Treaty obligations from the Oranga Tamariki Act, two coalition ministers - ACT's David Seymour and NZ First's Shane Jones - criticised the Tribunal. Seymour suggested it should be "wound up", while Jones said it had overstepped its power.
But Luxon refused to explain why their comments didn't breach the Cabinet Manual.
Asked by Labour leader Chris Hipkins why he didn't think their comments breached the rules, Luxon replied: "Because I don't believe it does."
While the Tribunal was investigating the Government's plan to remove Treaty obligations from the Oranga Tamariki Act, two coalition ministers - ACT's David Seymour and NZ First's Shane Jones - criticised the Tribunal. Seymour suggested it should be "wound up", while Jones said it had overstepped its power.
But Luxon refused to explain why their comments didn't breach the Cabinet Manual.
Asked by Labour leader Chris Hipkins why he didn't think their comments breached the rules, Luxon replied: "Because I don't believe it does."
The Cabinet Manual, which is a rulebook for ministers, warns them not to make comments that bring into question the judiciary. The Tribunal is led by judges and is a standing commission of inquiry.
“Ministers must exercise judgement before commenting on matters before the courts or judicial decisions,” the Cabinet Manual states.
Earlier, Luxon called their comments "ill considered".