Collins' threat to sue Radio NZ in doubt

ACC Minister Judith Collins. Photo / APN

ACC Minister Judith Collins is refusing to comment on speculation she will not follow through on her threat to sue Radio New Zealand for defamation.

Ms Collins wrote to the state owned broadcaster requesting an apology last month after it aired interviews with Labour MPs Trevor Mallard and Andrew Little during which the pair claimed she or her office leaked a sensitive email which identified former National Party insider Bronwyn Pullar as the woman at the centre of a massive ACC privacy breach.

Radio NZ, like Mr Mallard and Mr Little who received similar letters from Ms Collins, did not offer the requested apology.

A recording of Mr Mallard's March 29 Checkpoint interviews is still available on Radio NZ's website.

Mr Mallard and Mr Little confirmed two weeks ago they'd received letters from Ms Collins' lawyers advising them proceedings were being issued against them for defamation.

However a spokesman for Radio NZ this morning said no such letter had been received by the broadcaster.

Ms Collins refused to comment today on whether that meant she would not proceed with action against Radio NZ.

The email, sent to Ms Collins by former National Party president Michelle Boag and leaked to the Herald On Sunday led to the resignation of Cabinet Minister Nick Smith, when it subsequently emerged Dr Smith wrote a letter of support for his old friend Ms Pullar while he was ACC minister during the last term of government.