Paula Bennett

Wellington, June 24 NZPA - Social Development Minister Paula Bennett today declined to comment on Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff's decision on Tuesday to refer a privacy complaint against her to the Director of Human Rights Proceedings.

Solo mum Natasha Fuller laid the complaint after Ms Bennett released her benefit details to news media when she complained about cuts to her training incentive allowance.

Ms Shroff said the parties were unable to reach a settlement over the complaint.

However, there was "sufficient substance" for her to refer the matter to the director Robert Hesketh, which she had done.

Ms Bennett told reporters there was a process to go through.

"Its now going to the director of proceedings to make a call."

If a settlement cannot be made following a complaint to the commissioner she can give an opinion on the matter.

Her opinion is not legally binding, but is taken seriously. However it was also normal for the commissioner to pass complaints to the director, when settlement was not reached.

The director can in turn decide whether or not it should be taken to the Human Rights Review Tribunal.

His process is separate from the commissioner's and proceedings start afresh.

Earlier Ms Fuller had sought a financial settlement through the commission.

"I think I have been very clear that a cash settlement has never been on the table for me and that as soon as it was I ruled it out," Ms Bennett said.

In Parliament, Labour's social development spokeswoman Annette King questioned Ms Bennett about the privacy commissioner's decision and asked the minister whether she stood by her previous statement that in her opinion people broke privacy when they went to the media.

"I stand by all my actions and statements on this matter to date," Ms Bennett replied.

Ms King then asked: "What has been the cost to the taxpayer to date for a year-long investigation by the privacy commissioner into the alleged breach of privacy, and what further cost will be incurred in legal fees, Crown Law advice, officials' time, and possibly a payout if this matter continues unresolved and will it be more than the $15,000 reportedly sought in compensation several months ago?"

Ms Bennett: "I am not aware of, or responsible for, any costs incurred by the privacy commissioner."