Shane Jones’ pattern of inappropriate ministerial conduct has continued and the PM must sanction him, says ACT Leader David Seymour.
Jones has publicly raised concerns about NZTA's legal action against a logging company, breaching the principle of comity.
“It is a long-established principle that Ministers should avoid any comment that could be seen as being intended to influence the courts. Judges must be free to determine cases according to the law, based on the evidence, free from the influence of Ministers.
“Jones has no boundaries when it comes to ministerial conduct.
“He recently lobbied the Finance Minister for money for an organisation he was once the chair of. Now he has made public ministerial statements about a logging company’s court case when he is the Associate Transport Minister.
“The Cabinet Manual says that Ministers are expected to behave in a way that upholds the highest ethical standards.
“Jones has clearly fallen short of this standard. How long can the Prime Minister continue to defend his shonky behaviour?”