KEY POINTS:
Environment Minister David Benson-Pope insists political adviser Steve Hurring acted without his knowledge or approval when seeking details about the private relationship of a senior staffer from ministry chief executive Hugh Logan.
But he reserves the right to raise such matters himself with Mr Logan in the future.
The staff member, Madeleine Setchell, lost her job as ministry communications manager because her partner was chief press secretary to National leader John Key.
Mr Benson-Pope said the first he knew of the issue was when Mr Hurring told him Mr Logan had confirmed Ms Setchell's relationship.
Mr Hurring's actions were questioned by Mr Benson-Pope and Prime Minister Helen Clark yesterday but not condemned - he would be "counselled" about his actions.
Mr Benson-Pope said if Mr Hurring had raised the issue with him rather than making the phone call, he probably would have raised it with Mr Logan himself. "If I had had the same issue presented me in a different way, however, I would have probably asked the chief executive if it was an issue. I have to be able to do that - or someone does - in some context or other."
But it would not be up to him to decide whether there was a perceived conflict of interest because that was an employment issue.
He did not accept that raising the question with Mr Logan by either Mr Hurring or himself implied a concern.
Helen Clark refused to pass comment on whether it was fair that Ms Setchell had lost her job.
Earlier yesterday, she implied that action by Mr Logan, after consulting State Services Commissioner Mark Prebble, had been justified because Ms Setchell had been appointed to "a strategic" ministry position.
"These are fiercely independent people who uphold the traditions and ethos of the public service," she said.
Mr Benson-Pope has been plagued with controversy since he became a minister but insists he will again seek selection for his Dunedin South seat.
He did express sympathy that Ms Setchell's name was being so publicly discussed, but added protection for employees was somewhat better under his Government than it would be if National was in power.
He denied misleading the public when saying he had had no details of the case - such as the woman's name or the settlement involved.
The Public Service Association national secretary, Brenda Pilott, said the case raised issues she would be discussing with Dr Prebble.
"It is essential we end the confusion that now exists for public servants and people applying for public service jobs concerning the political activity of their partners and family members."
