A political commentator says the Prime Minister didn't go far enough in dealing with cabinet minister Clair Curran.

Curran has been demoted and kicked out of Cabinet after a second "forgotten" meeting, but still keeps her minister for broadcasting portfolio and $250,000 salary

Victoria University's Bryce Edwards says some of her colleagues in cabinet will get a message they have to play by the rules but it's not a total firing situation.

"Yes, she has been told off, demoted and sanctioned but she hasn't paid the ultimate price, which is to no longer be a minister.

Edwards doesn't feel it is a strong enough message for the higher standards that Jacinda Ardern claims she wants to achieve in her government.

ACT Leader David Seymour says Jacinda Ardern has now set the standard that if you lie to parliament and the public, you might lose your portfolio but you still retain a minister on $250,000 a year

"Clair Curran has repeatedly lied about the most basic matters and the irony of her being the minister for open government would be hilarious if it was not so serious"

Curran has been stripped of her open government and government digital services portfolios, but will hold on to her broadcasting and ACC roles.