Press Conference with John Key: 1st September

Monday 1st September

Prime Minister John Key has delayed the release of Nationals’ fiscal policy in light of this morning’s shooting at a Work and Income office in Ashburton. The policy will be released later in the week.

With regard to this mornings shooting, Key said he could confirm that two people had lost their lives in the shooting and one is in a serious condition.

The shooter has not yet been apprehended. Social development services and schools in Ashburton have been closed.

Minister for Social and Development services Paula Bennett is travelling to Christchurch today to assess the situation.

Key did not want to speculate on motivations behind the shooting but police are wanting to speak to a John Tully with regards to this mornings incident.

Key also answered questions about Judith Collins, and confirmed that independent inquiry will be held with regard to allegations made against Collins.

The inquiry will focus specifically on allegations in an email forwarded to John Key’s office regarding Collins’ action around a Serious Fraud Office investigation.

The inquiry would not be looking at any information presented in Nicky Hagar’s book Dirty Politics, or any of the allegations against Collins in the book.

Collins herself is pushing for the inquiry and is confident it will clear her of any alleged misconduct. Key did not want to discuss her future in Parliament.

ENDS

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