17 Apr 2009

Minister's visit to taxi driver called into question

12:22 pm on 17 April 2009

The Labour Party is again questioning Richard Worth's suitability to remain a minister, after he visited the family of an Auckland taxi driver allegedly attacked at the weekend.

Jarnail Sandhu says he was assaulted by four men in his cab who then ran off with his turban.

The Prime Minister's office says the Internal Affairs Minister has a strong interest in the Indian community and it has no concerns about the courtesy call.

But Labour MP Pete Hodgson says Dr Worth knows the father of one of the men being investigated over the alleged attack and the possibility of a conflict of interest is obvious.

He says Dr Worth has already displayed a complete lack of judgement over a business trip to India, and Prime Minister John Key needs to act now.

Prime Minister John Key says he has no problem with the visit as Dr Worth has been a long-time supporter of the Indian community.