ACC Minister Judith Collins has confirmed she is going ahead with a defamation case against two Labour Party MPs, but will not ask taxpayers to fund the action.
Ms Collins is suing Trevor Mallard and Andrew Little, as well as Radio New Zealand, over comments made about who leaked details about ACC claimant Bronwyn Pullar to the media.
Judith Collins says she was defamed while carrying out her duties as ACC minister.
Ms Collins says she has not asked the Cabinet for funding for the court case, even though she is fully entitled to do so.
Prime Minister John Key says he suggested to Ms Collins she could get support , but she told him on Monday morning that she would fund it herself.
Mr Key says despite potential political consequences, as ministers are likely to be called as witnesses, he supports Ms Collins taking legal action.
Judith Collins says she sent a letter to each of the parties last week giving them an opportunity to respond. The minister says Mr Mallard and Mr Little have chosen not to respond, while Radio New Zealand has responded accordingly.
