Broadcasting Minister Clare Curran failed to show in Parliament today after a dismal performance during Question Time yesterday.

Photo: VNP / Phil Smith

Ms Curran requested personal leave this morning, which meant she was not available to answer questions from National MP Melissa Lee today on what government business she had been conducting using her personal gmail account.

Ms Curran was demoted from Cabinet and stripped of two of her portfolios last month after she failed to properly declare a meeting for the second time.

Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods answered on her behalf today but was unable to provide any detailed answers as she did not have the information to hand.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters defended Ms Curran saying, "we all have a bad day''.

The Prime Minister has asked the Cabinet office to issue guidance to ministers on the best use of personal email accounts for government business.