Collins accused of `rort' over Blue's job

Justice Minister Judith Collins is being accused of "rorting the process" when she appointed National MP Jackie Blue as Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner.

Labour's Grant Robertson says the position was advertised and the closing date for expressions of interest closed on October 13 last year.

The paper trail shows Ms Collins received a list of those who had applied on November 1, and Ms Blue's name wasn't on it.

Her expression of interest was sent to the ministry on November 11, and a new list of candidates was sent to Ms Collins.

"This appointment wasn't fair. Other candidates were not treated the same as Jackie Blue," Mr Robertson said on Tuesday.

He questioned Ms Collins in parliament, and the minister said she received an informal expression of interest from Ms Blue on September 20.

Ms Collins says she sent Ms Blue's formal expression of interest to the ministry herself on November 11.

"Expressions of interest for a ministerial appointment close when the minister is satisfied they can make the right recommendation," she said.

Mr Robertson says there's no evidence in the paper trail of an informal expression of interest on September 20.

"In fact Ms Collins originally said in answer to written parliamentary questions that she had not discussed the position with Jackie Blue before the closing date for expressions of interest on October 13," Mr Robertson said.

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Collins accused of `rort' over Blue's job