ACT managing MP's sex comment well - Key

David Garrett. Photo / Dean Purcell

Prime Minister John Key says it is not his place to discipline Act MP David Garrett, which he considers ACT leader Rodney Hide is managing well.

The Herald on Sunday reported this weekend that Mr Garrett, an ACT list MP, made lewd comments about a female worker to another staff member.

He has apologised to the worker, and said Mr Hide tore strips off him over his behaviour.

Mr Key today told TV One's Breakfast show he was told a story about Mr Garrett was to appear in a Sunday newspaper.

As Mr Garrett was not a Government MP, it would not be appropriate for Mr Key to get involved in disciplinary matters, Mr Key said.

"I got to say it looks like Rodney Hide is dealing with the situation well," Mr Key told TV One's Breakfast show.

Speaking on TV One's Q and A programme yesterday Mr Garrett said Mr Hide had had reason to reprimand him; "he tore several large strips off me, actually," for inappropriate comments.

Mr Garrett said what was appropriate or not was debatable.

"I'm probably the only member of parliament who has been an oil rig worker for 10 years, it was a big adjustment to become a lawyer, and even bigger adjustment to become an MP.

"I'm on a very steep learning curve, I now understand very clearly that the kind of thing that might have been okay in a law firm in Tonga is not okay in Parliament."

Mr Garrett said he "very much" regretted the remarks.

Mr Hide said he talked to Mr Garrett "about the need to maintain high standards at all times".

"I explained to him we set high standards in our Parliament across all parties.

"It is a learning experience in becoming an MP. I said it is good he can learn quickly - because he has to."

- NZPA