3. Prime Minister—Confidence in Minister of CustomsHon SIMON BRIDGES (Leader of the Opposition) to the Prime MinisterPrime Minister—Confidence in Minister of Customs3. Hon SIMON BRIDGES (Leader of the Opposition) to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all her statements and actions in relation to the standing down of the Minister of Customs?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN (Prime Minister): Aē.Hon Simon Bridges: Has she asked Meka Whaitiri whether the allegations of assault on a staff member in her office are true?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: As I've previously said the allegations are contested which is why they're being investigated by Ministerial Services.Hon Simon Bridges: Has she asked Meka Whaitiri whether the allegations of assault on a staff member in her office are true?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Again the matters that the member is raising are contested. I've put that on the public record. That is why Ministerial Services is investigating them. I'm not going to respond to the details of that until that investigation is complete. On this side of the House we believe in natural justice.Hon Simon Bridges: Did the Minister deny the allegations of assault when the Prime Minister put them to her?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: If the member is listening for something to be contested obviously I have to have some knowledge of it being contested. That is why it's being investigated by Ministerial Services. I want to let them do their job.Hon Simon Bridges: Does she believe what Meka Whaitiri told her?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: As I've said I'm letting this process run its course. I believe in natural justice. I want to make sure that Ministerial Services have the space to work through this matter appropriately and in good time. I have asked that it be dealt with as quickly as possible but I will not make decisions until I have seen their report.Hon Simon Bridges: Does she decide who holds a ministerial warrant; and if so then shouldn't she be asking Meka Whaitiri exactly what happened with her staff member in judging whether she is worthy of that warrant based on her word?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Yes.Hon Simon Bridges: So has she asked her and does Meka Whaitiri deny that there was an assault?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: As I've previously said this is contested. The Minister wanted to ensure that there was a transparent process to look into the allegations that have been made. They are allegations and she is fully cooperating while Ministerial Services look into this issue.Hon Simon Bridges: Is the Prime Minister aware of any other cases where Ministerial Services has been involved in a formal process around the departure of a staff member from Meka Whaitiri's office this term?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: I am allowing this investigation to run its course but I am advised that no personal grievances have been lodged against Meka Whaitiri since becoming a Minister.Hon Simon Bridges: What support has been provided by the Prime Minister's office to the alleged victim of the assault?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: My understanding is that these issues have been dealt with appropriately.Hon Simon Bridges: Has she not checked?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Of course there are more than a number of entities involved; primarily that responsibility does need to sit with Ministerial Services. I have been assured that appropriate support has been put in place because of course I seek such assurances.Hon Simon Bridges: Has she provided the same level of support to the alleged victim as she and her colleagues have provided quite clearly and visibly to Meka Whaitiri?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: I have sought assurances that support is being provided on both sides and I've received the assurance that it has.