Parliament Speaker Gerry Brownlee has referred complaints about the conduct of Green MP Julie Anne Genter to the Privileges Committee in the House of Representatives last Wednesday evening.
The complaints came from National and ACT.
Genter apologized last week after National accused her of intimidating and attacking one of its ministers, Matt Doocey, in the House of Representatives.
As MPs debated road projects on Wednesday evening as part of the Annual Review – Transport, Genter rose from her seat and walked across the chamber towards Doocey.
She then waved a book in his face and repeatedly shouted, “Read the report.”
National senior whip Scott Simpson told the House that Genter's actions were threatening and unbecoming of Parliament.
Brownlee has received letters of complaint about Genter's actions from Simpson and ACT MP Todd Stevenson.
He told the House he was referring the matter to Parliament's Privileges Committee, which acts as Parliament's court to monitor the conduct of MPs.
“The conduct complained of may amount to threatening or intimidating a Member acting in the course of his duty, or threatening a Member because of his conduct in Parliament,” he said.
“The Speaker does not investigate the veracity of the evidence presented or investigate the allegations; that is the role of the Privileges Committee.
“The Speaker's role in such matters is to determine whether the alleged facts could amount to a breach of privilege or a contempt of the House.
“Accordingly, I am of the opinion that there is indeed a privilege issue and that this matter will be referred to the Privileges Committee.”
Genter has not returned to Parliament since her outburst and is currently traveling to the Chatham Islands, where she will have to leave her fellow leaders to reporters' questions this afternoon.
“It is important that she can continue with her work. Disciplinary processes do not stop people from doing their jobs,” said Greens co-leader Marama Davidson.
“She has already apologized for the action in the House of Representatives, which was clearly wrong. We accept that responsibility and provide her with professional and personal support in the disciplinary process.”
Greens co-leader Chloe Swabrick said it would not be appropriate for Genter to comment on an issue of privilege in any case.
Genter “felt” the consequences of her actions and would not lose the transportation portfolio, Davidson said.
“She is one of the country's most experienced and passionate MPs when it comes to transport. What's important is that she knows the action in the House was wrong and that she accepts a process to provide support so this can never happen again. .”
On Thursday evening, Genter was again accused of harassment by a Wellington florist.
The Greens co-leaders said they had no prior knowledge of the accusation.