Wise MPs apologise hard and early, but Casey Costello's correction may be late. The Speaker appears to have revealed he is considering a complaint over a matter of privilege.
MPs in Parliament's debating chamber go hard and they go early. Even MPs who would blanche at that phrase would admit some of the most interesting things happen early and quickly.
For example, Tuesday began with fleeting acknowledgement of a visiting US senator, and before beginning debates, MPs agreed which of them will be on The Intelligence and Security Committee and privy to the world of secret squirrels.
But even more interesting was an underwhelming apology.
Listen to the radio version of this story from The House
An ersatz apology
Before Question Time began New Zealand First's Casey Costello (Associate Health Minister - Smokefree Policy), got in early to 'correct' an answer before Question Time compounded her woe.
"I'd like to make a personal statement regarding my answers as Associate Minister of Health to oral questions on 30 January 2024. I'm speaking specifically to the questions that asked if I was being truthful when I denied to the media that I had requested advice on freezing tobacco excise tax. On review of my response, I acknowledge that there is confusion arising from my understanding of the differentiation between seeking specific advice and accepting advice being offered. I had no intention of misleading the House, and I apologise for any confusion."
Quite a few ministers have corrected answers this Parliament. Going hard and early by owning up to a mistake is a wise move. Attempting to brash it out is just asking for trouble. Costello is pretty tardy comparatively, and may have forgotten about the correction part.
The wisest approach is to say 'sorry, I got it wrong', but often ministers veer off dramatically before admitting to an actual error. In Ms Costello's case the heart of the equivocation was...
"I acknowledge that there is confusion arising from my understanding of the differentiation..."
The Leader of the Opposition, Chris Hipkins was not satisfied and raised a point of order.
Hipkins: "Generally speaking, when a Minister is correcting an answer they have given, they state what the incorrect answer was and what the correct answer was. I don't think anyone in this House would be any the wiser as to exactly what it is the Minister's just corrected."
The Speaker, Gerry Brownlee responded. …