Labour cabinet likely to bend rules for Turia over foreshore

5.00pm

Labour's chief whip has indicated Associate Maori Affairs Minister Tariana Turia will not be punished if she decides to abstain from voting on the seabed legislation, despite the fact that to do so would be a breach of cabinet rules.

David Benson-Pope says Mrs Turia's refusal to support the package would effectively breach the doctrine of cabinet collective responsibility.

He says the rules in the cabinet manual are clear: Cabinet decisions are supported by ministers, including those like Mrs Turia who are outside cabinet.

However, he does not believe that will be a problem.

He says Labour is interested in making progress on the issue and involving people in decision-making.

David Benson-Pope says cabinet may not view Mrs Turia's abstention as a breach if it is happy with her position.

- Newstalk ZB