Speaker Gerry Brownlee has escalated complaints about Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter’s behaviour to the Privileges Committee following accusations from National and ACT that she intimidated National Minister Matt Doocey during a parliamentary debate.
Last Wednesday Genter apologised after confronting Doocey with a book, shouting ‘Read the report!’ while MPs debated road projects. National’s senior Whip Scott Simpson condemned Genter’s actions as threatening and unsuitable for parliamentary conduct.
Speaker Brownlee, who received complaints from Simpson and ACT MP Todd Stevenson confirmed today the Privileges Committee would investigate the matter further. The committee acts as Parliament’s court to assess MPs’ behaviour.
‘The conduct complained of could amount to threatening or intimidating a member in the discharge of their duty,’ said Brownlee.
Brownlee clarified that the Speaker’s role is not to assess the evidence but to determine if the alleged actions could constitute a breach of privilege or contempt of Parliament.
Genter is currently on a trip to the Chatham Islands and hasn’t been back in Parliament since the incident. Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said the party was committed to the disciplinary process while defending Genter’s ability to continue her work. Davidson noted that Genter accepted her behaviour was wrong and was ‘receiving support’ to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Genter will maintain her transport portfolio despite the ongoing investigation.
Green nutjob!
Think I’ll go and assault the manager at our local Countdown tomorrow.
Maybe I’ll be entitled to “receive some support” too.
That’s how it works, right? Guys?
Sorry Unquaccinated, but your a man.
If that is truly your intention and you want the entitled support, I can lend you a dress
People need to stop voting mainstream……
Feeling good about voting mainstream people, good use of your tax dollar or maybe its time to vote for something new and better??