52502 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Attorney-General

52502 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Attorney-General: Is the Attorney General concerned that Hon Shane Jones called a judge a "communist"; if so has she raised the matter with him; if not why not?

Hon Judith Collins: The Attorney-General has an important role in defending the judiciary by answering improper or unfair public criticism of judges, which they cannot answer themselves. Even though the comments to which the member refers were made with intention or belief that the comments would not be made public, I spoke to the Hon Shane Jones to remind him of the importance of maintaining the important convention of comity by which the branches of government show each other courtesy and respect for their roles. As the Cabinet Manual notes Ministers should not make comments that can be taken as comment on the impartiality or ability of any judge. I wrote to Ministers earlier this year reminding them of their obligations in this regard.