edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Collins Judith: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCollins Judith: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 26 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2655. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]6.Hon JUDITH COLLINS (National—Papakura) to the Associate Minister for Social Development: How much has the Government saved as a result of its benefit fraud initiative?Hon JO GOODHEW (Associate Minister for Social Development): Since benefit fraud reform initiatives began 2 years ago we have saved the taxpayer over $60 million in future benefit payments. Only a small minority of beneficiaries take money they are not entitled to but those who do cost tens of millions of dollars each year. These changes make it difficult to defraud the welfare system and hold people accountable for their actions.Hon Judith Collins: How is the Government encouraging beneficiaries to comply with the welfare system?Hon JO GOODHEW: Over the past 2½ years around 9500 benefits have been cancelled after fraud was discovered. We expect to see fewer cases of benefit fraud as our case officers continue working closely with clients to ensure they declare their income and any changes to their relationship status. We have also identified 3000 clients who have previously committed fraud. By managing these clients more closely we can help to ensure that they do not reoffend.Poto Williams: Will she be advocating on behalf of taxpayers that her Government place more of a proportionate focus on recovering the $1.2 billion per annum of money lost through tax evasion compared with the slightly lesser amount of $20 million to $40 million per annum of benefit overpayments connected with prosecuted benefit fraud or is white-collar crime just more acceptable to her Government?Mr SPEAKER: The Hon Jo Goodhew in as far as there is ministerial responsibility.Hon JO GOODHEW: I thank the member for her question and the opportunity to correct her misassumptions. Last Budget this Government actually provided an extra $132 million to Inland Revenue to bolster its tax compliance activities and boy has that been good value for money. Targeting the hidden economy tax avoidance initiatives returned nearly $50 million—$5.51 for every dollar spent. Targeting property speculators returned $52 million a return of $7.88 for every $1 invested. I thank the member for the opportunity to show her how wrong she is.Poto Williams: I seek leave to table the Child Poverty Action Group report published in November 2003—Mr SPEAKER: Order! No no. That is a report that is available to all members.
Brownlee Gerry: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Business Statement[Sitting date: 26 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2647. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): No.
Carter David: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Business Statement[Sitting date: 26 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2647. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: The Minister can respond if he thinks it is worthy.
Hipkins Chris: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeHipkins Chris: Business Statement[Sitting date: 26 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2647. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]CHRIS HIPKINS (Senior Whip—Labour): I wonder whether the Leader of the House can confirm or deny the rumour circulating this afternoon that the Government intends to move urgency this afternoon to pass legislation relocating New Zealand’s capital back to Russell.
Brownlee Gerry: Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrownlee Gerry: Business Statement[Sitting date: 26 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2647. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):When the House resumes on Tuesday 31 March the Government will look to progress the Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2) the Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) and a number of bills on the Order Paper. Wednesday will be a members’ day.
Business StatementText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBusiness Statement[Sitting date: 26 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2647. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Thursday 26 March 2015Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.Business StatementHon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):When the House resumes on Tuesday 31 March the Government will look to progress the Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2) the Social Security Amendment Bill (No 3) and a number of bills on the Order Paper. Wednesday will be a members’ day.CHRIS HIPKINS (Senior Whip—Labour): I wonder whether the Leader of the House can confirm or deny the rumour circulating this afternoon that the Government intends to move urgency this afternoon to pass legislation relocating New Zealand’s capital back to Russell.Mr SPEAKER: The Minister can respond if he thinks it is worthy.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House): No.
Vote: Harmful Digital Communications Bill — Referral to Justice and Electoral Committee Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Harmful Digital Communications Bill — Referral to Justice and Electoral Committee Second Reading[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2562. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the question That the Harmful Digital Communications Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 77New Zealand National 59; Green Party 14; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 43New Zealand Labour 32; New Zealand First 11.Bill read a second time.
Vote: Harmful Digital Communications Bill — Referral to Justice and Electoral Committee Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeVote: Harmful Digital Communications Bill — Referral to Justice and Electoral Committee Second Reading[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2538. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]A party vote was called for on the question That the motion be agreed to.Ayes 57New Zealand Labour 32; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 11.Noes 63New Zealand National 59; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Motion not agreed to.
Tisch Lindsay: Sittings of the HouseText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Sittings of the House[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2562. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is no objection.
Sittings of the HouseText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSittings of the House[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2562. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Sittings of the HousePAUL FOSTER-BELL (National): I seek leave for the House to adjourn until the next sitting day.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is no objection.
Foster-Bell Paul: Sittings of the HouseText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeFoster-Bell Paul: Sittings of the House[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2562. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]PAUL FOSTER-BELL (National): I seek leave for the House to adjourn until the next sitting day.
Smith Stuart: Harmful Digital Communications Bill — Referral to Justice and Electoral Committee Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSmith Stuart: Harmful Digital Communications Bill — Referral to Justice and Electoral Committee Second Reading[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2562. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]STUART SMITH (National—Kaikōura): I would just like to focus in this very short call on the importance of this bill not being too platform-specific. If we look back to 2004 Facebook came into being in February of that year yet today that is one of the most thought-of digital platforms and one that is used most often in these cases that we are discussing tonight. Twitter came in in 2006. A year before that YouTube came into being and who knows what digital platforms will be available in 10 years; they may not be in a form that we know today. I commend this bill because I think it has the flexibility to take account of new platforms in the future. It is with pleasure that I commend the bill to the House. Thank you.
Bayly Andrew: Harmful Digital Communications Bill — Referral to Justice and Electoral Committee Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBayly Andrew: Harmful Digital Communications Bill — Referral to Justice and Electoral Committee Second Reading[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2561. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]ANDREW BAYLY (National—Hunua): I am very pleased to be able to talk to this bill both as an MP and as a parent of teenage boys. I also find it most unfortunate to hear the Opposition talking of delay vacillation and a do-nothing approach with regard to this bill. Members of this House are reminded daily both through the media and through different forms of lobbying of the increasing concerns in our communities about the variety of potential ill effects caused by digital communications of all types. This Government is committed to deterring preventing and mitigating the harm caused by digital communications and is committed to providing victims of this medium with an effective and rapid means of correcting the habit.Cyber-bullying has taken on overt proportions to a more insidious level. It is often hard to quantify and with regard to these communications we need to curb its incidence as well as the often devastating and longer-lasting impact that it can have on young people. This Government is alert to this adverse activity and is determined that New Zealanders should feel safe in their homes and in their communities—with a special focus on our young people who might be less discerning and more vulnerable. By introducing increased controls and legislation we are protecting our children our youth our families and in general New Zealand. I commend this bill to the House.
Tisch Lindsay: Harmful Digital Communications Bill — Referral to Justice and Electoral Committee Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Harmful Digital Communications Bill — Referral to Justice and Electoral Committee Second Reading[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2561. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): This is a split call. Andrew Bayly—5 minutes.
Tisch Lindsay: Harmful Digital Communications Bill — Referral to Justice and Electoral Committee Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Harmful Digital Communications Bill — Referral to Justice and Electoral Committee Second Reading[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2556. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): I call Sue Moroney—5 minutes.
Tisch Lindsay: Harmful Digital Communications Bill — Referral to Justice and Electoral Committee Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Harmful Digital Communications Bill — Referral to Justice and Electoral Committee Second Reading[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2554. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): The next call is a split call. I am calling Gareth Hughes—5 minutes.
Martin Tracey: Harmful Digital Communications Bill — Referral to Justice and Electoral Committee Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMartin Tracey: Harmful Digital Communications Bill — Referral to Justice and Electoral Committee Second Reading[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2537. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]TRACEY MARTIN (Deputy Leader—NZ First): I move That the order of the day for the second reading of the Harmful Digital Communications Bill be discharged and that the bill be referred to the Justice and Electoral Committee for consideration.
Borrows Chester: Taxation (KiwiSaver HomeStart and Remedial Matters) Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBorrows Chester: Taxation (KiwiSaver HomeStart and Remedial Matters) Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2536. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: I call Todd Barclay—5 minutes; a split call for National.
Tisch Lindsay: Taxation (KiwiSaver HomeStart and Remedial Matters) Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeTisch Lindsay: Taxation (KiwiSaver HomeStart and Remedial Matters) Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2529. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): I understand that the next call is a split call. Jan Logie—5 minutes.
Carter David: Third Readings —Text is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Third Readings —[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2499. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: When this legislation was last debated the Hon Ruth Dyson was speaking. She has 9 minutes and 30 seconds remaining if she wishes to take it.
Carter David: Urgent Debates Declined — GCSB—World Trade Organization Director-General RoleText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Urgent Debates Declined — GCSB—World Trade Organization Director-General Role[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2498. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: I will certainly watch answers carefully in the future but having been here for some years on many occasions I have seen Ministers take the opportunity—with regard to security matters—to say that it is not in the interests of the country to publicly debate such matters or to answer such questions. So I will certainly do my best to balance that. I appreciate the point that the Hon David Parker is making.
Parker David: Urgent Debates Declined — GCSB—World Trade Organization Director-General RoleText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeParker David: Urgent Debates Declined — GCSB—World Trade Organization Director-General Role[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2498. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon DAVID PARKER (Labour): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I thank you and accept that ruling. It does though place the Opposition in a difficult position if the Government refuses to answer questions as to whether the allegations are correct. I would ask when these issues arise in the next few days for the Speaker to reflect upon whether the Government can effectively stonewall as to whether these allegations made are correct by claiming public interest because as it currently stands if it can do so then the Opposition cannot hold the Government to account in Parliament which would be the wrong outcome.
Carter David: Urgent Debates Declined — GCSB—World Trade Organization Director-General RoleText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Urgent Debates Declined — GCSB—World Trade Organization Director-General Role[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2498. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: I have received a letter from David Shearer seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the release of a document showing that the Government Communications Security Bureau undertook targeted monitoring of international diplomats to support the application of the Hon Tim Groser for the position of Director-General of the World Trade Organization.In ruling on an application for an urgent debate the Speaker has to determine whether there is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. If something occurs in secret it may become a case of recent occurrence for the purpose of the Standing Orders when it becomes publicly known. But the release upon which this application is based does not involve ministerial responsibility. The release was by news site from leaked documents. An urgent debate cannot be granted on the basis of newspaper allegations or speculation. There must be a distinct Governmental responsibility for the particular case that it is seeking to debate. On this basis the case raised does not meet the test for me to set aside the business of the House today. The application is therefore declined.
Naylor Jono: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeNaylor Jono: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2497. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]12.JONO NAYLOR (National) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What is the Government doing to help small businesses raise funds?Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs): The Government is working hard to make it easier for small businesses to access the capital necessary to grow. Under the recently passed Financial Markets Conduct Act small businesses may raise up to $2 million in 12 months through licensed equity crowdfunding platforms. This means that Kiwi businesses have more options to raise money and fund their growth without all the red tape that was involved previously.Jono Naylor: Has the Minister seen any reports of small businesses making use of new crowdfunding options?Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH: Yes I have seen reports of a number of small businesses that have benefited from the new crowdfunding options. For example I understand that Invivo Wines has raised $1.6 million so far through the crowdfunding platform Snowball Effect. Previous examples also include Renaissance Brewing which last year raised $700000 to expand its production capability. National is committed to giving small businesses the best chance at success. These changes are just another example of the Government making it easier for New Zealand companies to do business through our Business Growth Agenda.Dr David Clark: Has he taken the time yet to advise Cabinet of the benefit to small business funds of reducing ACC charges by $350 million as recommended by ACC Treasury and every struggling small-business owner?Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH: Yes. Cabinet has been advised and this Government is focused on keeping the costs of business down as low as possible so that New Zealand businesses can flourish.
Graham Kennedy: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeGraham Kennedy: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2496. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]11.Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM (Green) to the Minister responsible for the GCSB: Is the spying on candidates vying to be the Director-General of the World Trade Organization an appropriate use of the Government Communications Security Bureau?Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister responsible for the GCSB): The member is asking a question based on allegations made in the media over the last few days. The allegations rely on inferences drawn from stolen documents parts of which may even be fabricated. It has been a longstanding practice of successive Governments not to discuss the operational activities of the intelligence agencies. I do not intend to do so today because it is not in the public interest.Dr Kennedy Graham: In light of the credibility of the sources that the Minister refers to and in the interests of the transparency that he cites how can the Government justify obtaining a personal benefit for one of its Ministers through the use of espionage when that is a clear violation of the Cabinet Manual the Speaker’s Directions and possibly section 105 of the Crimes Act?Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: The member is asking a question based on allegations made in the media over the last few days. The allegations rely on inferences drawn from stolen documents parts of which may even be fabricated. It has been the longstanding practice of successive Governments not to discuss the operational activities of the intelligence agencies. I do not intend to do so today because it is not in the public interest.Dr Kennedy Graham: Given the credibility of the public sources that the Minister refers to and in the interests of transparency that the Minister cites why does the Government continue to use the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) and the SIS for its political gain including smearing the Hon Phil Goff during the 2011 election declassifying documents on a whim during the 2014 election and using the GCSB as a private recruitment manager for Tim Groser’s election?Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: The allegations made in that question are grubby and beneath the member. This Government and successive Governments have gone to great lengths to ensure that these intelligence organisations are subject to proper democratic oversight and act in accordance with their statute. The allegations made by that member are unworthy of him.Dr Kennedy Graham: Is it not true—although this may be above the Minister—Mr SPEAKER: Order! Just ask—Dr Kennedy Graham: Is it not true that under this Government the GCSB and the SIS have gone from working for our national interest to working for the National Party’s interest?Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: No it is not true and it is not above me but it is certainly a question that is beneath that member.
Smith Stuart: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSmith Stuart: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2495. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]9.STUART SMITH (National—Kaikōura) to the Minister for Communications: What are the latest towns to be fully fibred under the Government’s Ultra-Fast Broadband programme?Hon AMY ADAMS (Minister for Communications): Over the last 2 weeks I have announced the completion of the ultra-fast broadband service in both Blenheim and Ashburton. In Blenheim around 12500 homes schools businesses and health facilities can now access fast and efficient internet and uptake there has been one of the highest in the country. In Ashburton they are similarly grabbing with both hands the opportunity ultra-fast broadband provides. Those towns join Whangarei Te Awamutu Ōāmaru Cambridge Tokoroa and Hāwera which have all been completed in the last 12 months with three more towns scheduled for completion during 2015.Stuart Smith: How can other towns not part of the original ultra-fast broadband programme get access to fibre?Hon AMY ADAMS: As part of our manifesto promise to extend the ultra-fast broadband programme to 80 percent of New Zealanders earlier this month we released a registration of interest process to ask communities and their councils to get directly involved in identifying the next priority areas and in thinking about ways that they can better support connectivity in their districts whether that is under the ultra-fast broadband extension the Rural Broadband Initiative or as part of our plans to address mobile coverage black spots. I encourage all councils that are keen to see increased connectivities to get involved in the process.
Shearer David: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeShearer David: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2494. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]8.DAVID SHEARER (Labour—Mt Albert) to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his quote regarding Hon Tim Groser’s bid to be Director-General of the World Trade Organisation that if “he decided to put his name in the ring then the New Zealand Government would give him 100 percent support”; if so precisely what support did the Government provide to Mr Groser?Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Attorney-General) on behalf of thePrime Minister: Yes. The Prime Minister also stands by a very similar statement that he made in 2009 that Helen Clark had all the support of the New Zealand Government as a candidate to head the United Nations Development Programme. The Government’s support for Mr Groser included lobbying other leaders for support New Zealand missions promoting his campaign and assistance with developing key messages and a campaign strategy. A lot of resources were used to back Mr Groser’s bid just as they were used to back Helen Clark’s bid. We were of course all delighted that Helen Clark was successful but sadly Mr Groser was not successful.David Shearer: As the Prime Minister and the Minister for National Security and Intelligence would he expect to be briefed if the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) was undertaking intelligence gathering on behalf of a Minister in his Cabinet?Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: The answer to that would be yes.David Shearer: What reports did the GCSB provide to the Prime Minister in relation to Tim Groser’s bid for the World Trade Organization (WTO) job?Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: It has been the policy of successive Governments both National and Labour not to comment on operational aspects of the work of the intelligence agencies because it is not in the public interest to do so.David Shearer: Will he agree to authorise the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security to investigate the GCSB’s activity of the alleged spying on candidates vying for the WTO role and to report her findings either publicly or to the Intelligence and Security Committee?Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: The Prime Minister does not need to instruct the inspector-general or ask the inspector-general to do anything. The inspector-general has wide-ranging powers many of which came through the 2013 amendments to her legislation. So if she wants to investigate any matter she has the ability to do so.David Shearer: On what basis did he say that Korea “doesn’t give a monkey’s” about New Zealand spying on one of their nationals and as Prime Minister does he give a monkey’s about foreign powers spying on our Cabinet Ministers?Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: The Prime Minister is very concerned to make sure that our intelligence agencies act in accordance with their statute and in accordance with the rule of law. The Prime Minister is also concerned to make sure that they are subject to proper democratic oversight.
Seymour David: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CHText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSeymour David: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CH[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2485. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]DAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT): Abe Lincoln once said that “Nearly all men can stand adversity but if you would like to test a man’s character give him power.” Lee Kuan Yew was an extraordinary man who ruled in a constitutional arrangement that I suspect very few if any in this House would have a lot of patience or support for. And undoubtedly at times he did misuse and abuse his power at the cost of what we would regard as normal civil liberties.But all of that is only a preamble to paying tribute to what he did for Singapore a country that in the 1960s was a recipient of foreign aid from New Zealand and today has twice the GDP per capita that we do. It is a tribute not only to the great man Lee Kuan Yew but also to the approach he took to open markets free trade a flexible labour market and tolerable taxes that have allowed the people of Singapore who had no natural resources to speak of to become so prosperous. So on behalf of the ACT Party I would like to join with other leaders in paying tribute to a great man and in wishing all the best for the people of Singapore in this time of sorrow. Thank you.Motion agreed to.
Dunne Peter: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CHText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDunne Peter: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CH[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2484. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future): High on the walls of St Paul’s Cathedral is the inscription “If you seek his monument look around you”. It applies to Sir Christopher Wren but it could equally apply to Lee Kuan Yew because he was a man whose monument is modern Singapore—simple and straightforward.I recall meeting him at a dinner in Wellington some years ago where he described the Singapore story very simply very bluntly and very basically. He said: “At the end of the war we were a set of stinking rotten pieces of territory with no natural resources. We had been plundered by the enemy during the war. We had no future. We either gave up or we got stuck in and tried to do something. And we looked around our region and we saw two big fat countries Australia and New Zealand and we decided to emulate them. And that is what we have done over the last 50 years.”And then he finished the discussion by saying: “And you know what—there are still two big fat countries in our region” which was a challenge that I think he was making to Australia and to New Zealand about where we are in terms of social and economic progress. “We have come from nowhere to be an icon for many throughout the world. What have you done in your country?”. And I think that really summed up—when I read the biographies and saw the documentaries about Lee Kuan Yew—what was at his essence a fundamentally very simple and humble man who knew that you have to use your talents and your abilities to the best advantage in your country. And he did that in Singapore and he did that in a way that has made his country truly one for him—in his lifetime obviously—to be proud of for his successor to be proud of and one I think about which there are lessons that we can learn as well.So we mourn not just his passing we mourn his inspiration we mourn his leadership and we wish him obviously every respect and we wish his country well as it seeks to get used to life without its mentor-Minister its founding Prime Minister and its great leader.
Martin Tracey: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CHText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMartin Tracey: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CH[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2484. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]TRACEY MARTIN (Deputy Leader—NZ First): Kia ora Mr Speaker. When I first came into this House 3 years ago one of the first things that was sent to my office were these books on the life and times of Lee Kuan Yew and part of the reason for that—and I thank the sender—was that the Rt Hon Winston Peters highly highly highly respects Lee Kuan Yew and what he did for his country. So I know that the Rt Hon Winston Peters if he were not otherwise working hard in another area of New Zealand would wish to be here to take this call.The sympathies of New Zealand First but especially of the Rt Hon Winston Peters go out to Lee Kuan Yew’s children and to the people of Singapore. He was truly one of the greats when it came to belief in his people and in what they could achieve in a nation with very few resources. He gained the respect of his people and he gained the respect of the majority of the informed world for his visionary plans for a small island nation.I know that the Rt Hon Winston Peters had the opportunity to meet and spend some time with him. Only yesterday the Rt Hon Winston Peters wrote that it was one of the most valuable meetings he could ever have had. In closing as we acknowledge his passing Lee Kuan Yew’s given name in Mandarin means “light and brightness”. We would respectfully suggest that the world is a little bit less light and a little bit less bright for his passing. Kia ora.
Graham Kennedy: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CHText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeGraham Kennedy: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CH[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2483. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM (Green): The Green Party pays tribute to the passing of Lee Kuan Yew former Prime Minister of Singapore. Our condolences go out to his family on a personal basis and also to his son the current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on behalf of the nation.Lee Kuan Yew was recognised as the founding father of his nation. He was a formidable figure in world politics. When Singapore gained independence in 1965 he began work on what has been called the economic miracle. He transformed the small island nation into a modern and prosperous place of the 21st century. He did so with a raft of regulation a strong emphasis on government and a mix of private and State capitalism.As with every country the rise of modern Singapore did not come without some cost. Lee was quoted as saying that he had sacrificed his life for Singapore. He maintained a close rein on the country and its people in the interests of growing the country in the way he envisioned it. His tenure of course was not without its controversy. In the resulting debate over Asian values not so long ago was a substantive and interesting exchange with the West. We in the Green Party naturally have our views yet we acknowledge the change that was wrought in Singapore and we appreciate his leadership his determination and his vision for a better life for his countrymen and women. Today we join the citizens of Singapore in remembrance of their leader whom history will regard as a giant on the political landscape of our times.
Goff Phil: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CHText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeGoff Phil: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CH[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2483. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon PHIL GOFF (Labour—Mt Roskill): Can I join with the Acting Prime Minister on behalf of Labour in expressing our condolences to the people of Singapore and in particular to his family and his son the current Prime Minister of Singapore on his passing. Lee Kuan Yew was an extraordinary figure. I remember when he gave a speech on television in 1965—and I think I was a 12-year-old; a child at that time—he spoke with such power and emotion about why he was taking Singapore out of Malaysia and decades later I still remember that as the first political speech that ever impacted on me in that way.I remember the Prime Minister for another reason and that was when I had dinner with Lee Kuan Yew at the Shangri-La Dialogue in 2008. I explained to the then mentor Minister that my mother was a great admirer of his. He looked at me somewhat quizzically and said: “Why would that be the case?” and I explained that in 1977 as a student who had gone 6 years without a haircut passing through Singapore I was given my first haircut by the customs officials at the airport as the price of entry. My mother congratulated him on achieving something that nobody else had been able to do for years before that time.There are aspects of Lee Kuan Yew that all of us would immensely admire. He turned a Third World country into a First World country with a higher per capita standard of living than we enjoy in this country. He dealt effectively with corruption he built a first-class education system and he transformed the living standards and grew the GDP of that country 15 times between 1960 and 1980. There was however another side to Lee Kuan Yew which he himself admitted when he was being interviewed in 2010 and that was that he was a very authoritarian figure he locked up his opponents and he cracked down on the media. He admitted that he had done some bad things in his time and that was the other side which if we were to be fair in our memory of Lee Kuan Yew we would also acknowledge. But today in particular we remember him as a man who was a strong leader who gave Singapore an influence totally disproportionate to its size and created a better country for his fellow countrymen and women.
English Bill: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CHText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeEnglish Bill: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CH[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2482. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon BILL ENGLISH (Acting Prime Minister): I seek leave to move a motion without notice in relation to the death of Hon Lee Kuan Yew the former Prime Minister of Singapore.Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.Hon BILL ENGLISH: I move That this House express its sadness at the passing on 23 March 2015 of former Prime Ministerof Singapore Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMGCH aged 91. As one of Singapore’s founding fathers Mr Lee led Singapore to independence in 1965 and remained its Prime Minister until 1990. Due to his unwavering determination and vision Mr Lee guided Singapore’s growth and development making it the world leader among small countries that it is today.Mr Lee was a long-time friend of New Zealand and a supporter of New Zealand’s role in South-east Asia. He was also instrumental in establishing the Association of South-east Asian Nations ASEAN. New Zealand and ASEAN celebrate our 40th anniversary this year. On behalf of all New Zealanders we would like to express our condolences to Mr Lee’s family and the people of Singapore who have lost a father with his passing.
Seymour David: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CHText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSeymour David: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CH[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2482. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]DAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT): Far be it from me to give another exhaustive account of this great man’s life. However what I would like to do is pay tribute to one particular aspect of his prime ministership and career: he changed the culture and the face of Australia by welcoming over 200000 immigrants to Australia during his time as Prime Minister. That is a statement about how countries like our own and Australia should regard the world not as something we are afraid of but as something in which we stand tall and welcome immigrants to our shores. And on that note I would like today to share my condolences with our Australian cousins on the loss of a great and tall eucalyptus. Thank you.Motion agreed to.
Dunne Peter: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CHText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDunne Peter: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CH[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2482. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future): I want to associate myself with the remarks that have been made by others paying tribute to John Malcolm Fraser Australia’s late Prime Minister who died at the end of last week. I am not going to quote extensively from Wikipedia in doing so but I do want to observe that Malcolm Fraser was a man of extraordinary contrasts—the conservative Prime Minister whose record is one of social reform; the patrician country squire from Wannon in Victoria who was a career politician from the age of 25 but who abruptly resigned from Parliament upon losing the election in 1983 to return to his roots.He was the man who in recent years established a strong following in social media with his comments on all ranges of issues as recently as the last couple of weeks on the international situation the environment Australian politics and always from the perspective of some common sense some good judgment and a real heart and compassion for those who were adversely or marginally affected by decisions of Governments. The interesting thing to me about Malcom Fraser was given the circumstances of his arrival in office where he was labelled for many years as Kerr’s cur by Gough Whitlam the two went on to become very firm friends in their post-political careers who apparently often met to lament the state of their respective political parties subsequent to their departures.New Zealand has lost a good friend. CER was an initiative of the Fraser Government. The “Nareen agreement” entered into on his country property is another enduring mark of cooperation between our two countries. It is appropriate for this Parliament to pay tribute to a great Australian leader. It is appropriate that we share our sympathy with his family his former colleagues his friends and mark the greatness of his contribution to his nation.
Little Andrew: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CHText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeLittle Andrew: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CH[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2479. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]ANDREW LITTLE (Leader of the Opposition): I just rise briefly to support the motion and to acknowledge and record the New Zealand Labour Party’s condolences at this time over the loss of Malcolm Fraser and to note that Malcolm Fraser was elevated to the role of Prime Minister of Australia in arguably the most controversial of circumstances. He acquitted himself in that post until he was succeeded by Bob Hawke and it was his post -prime ministerial and post parliamentary career that I think he will be most remembered for certainly on this side of the House. He led the Eminent Persons Group on behalf of the Commonwealth Heads of Government to inquire into apartheid in South Africa and he was very much a part of the diplomatic process of leading the change externally that subsequently led to a genuinely free and democratic South Africa which ultimately saw the election of Nelson Mandela as President in the 1990s.I saw Malcolm Fraser speaking in Australia interestingly enough at a trade union conference which reflected the political change that I think he underwent. He was a conservative Prime Minister elected in conservative circumstances who had the presence of mind and the independence of spirit to question what subsequent conservative Governments in Australia had done and he challenged some of the economic nostrums that certainly the John Howard Government had pursued. He took up the cudgels of not just free trade but fair trade in Australia and a more compassionate approach to the people and to economic change and management there. We note his passing.
English Bill: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CHText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeEnglish Bill: Obituaries — Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL Hon Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CH[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2479. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon BILL ENGLISH (Acting Prime Minister): I seek leave to move a motion without notice in relation to the death of Malcolm Fraser former Prime Minister of Australia.Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.Hon BILL ENGLISH: I move That this House express its sadness at the passing on 20 March 2015 of former Australian Prime Minister Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL aged 84. Mr Fraser served his country with distinction as Australia’s 22ndPrime Minister from 1975 when he was appointed in a caretaker role following the shock dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam by the Governor-General. This was arguably the most dramatic day in Australia’s political history. Mr Fraser went on to win the following three elections and served as Prime Minister until 1983. During that time he made a significant contribution to the strengthening of the Australia - New Zealand relationship. It was during his time as Prime Minister that Australia and New Zealand negotiated and signed the Australia and New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement commonly known as CER with its enduring legacy of shared prosperity.He will also be remembered for his work with the United Nations and humanitarian agencies. Mr Fraser was a strong opponent of white minority rule in South Africa and what was then Rhodesia. He served on a number of UN and Commonwealth bodies with a focus on southern Africa and was president of the foreign aid group CARE International. Mr Fraser was also an advocate for multiculturalism in Australia and for indigenous and human rights overseeing the establishment of the Family Court of Australia and the National Aboriginal Conference instituting the position of a federal ombudsman and passing the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. He also played an influential role in the Commonwealth of Nations. On behalf of New Zealanders I would like to express our condolences to his family and to the people of Australia.
Carter David: Visitors — Fiji—Speaker House of Representatives Mongolia—Parliamentary DelegationText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Visitors — Fiji—Speaker House of Representatives Mongolia—Parliamentary Delegation[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2479. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members I am sure that members would also wish to welcome a parliamentary delegation from the State Great Hural of Mongolia led by Jalbasuren Batzandan a member of the Parliament of Mongolia who is also present in the gallery.
Carter David: Visitors — Fiji—Speaker House of Representatives Mongolia—Parliamentary DelegationText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeCarter David: Visitors — Fiji—Speaker House of Representatives Mongolia—Parliamentary Delegation[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2479. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members I am sure that members would wish to welcome and accord a seat to the left of the Chair to the Hon Dr Jiko Fatafehi Luveni Speaker to the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji. I am sure that members would also wish to welcome her delegation in the gallery.The Hon Dr Jiko Fatafehi Luveni accompanied by the Deputy Speaker entered the Chamber and took a seat on the left of the Chair.
Urgent Debates Declined — GCSB—World Trade Organization Director-General RoleText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeUrgent Debates Declined — GCSB—World Trade Organization Director-General Role[Sitting date: 24 March 2015. Volume:704;Page:2498. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Urgent Debates DeclinedGCSB—World Trade Organization Director-General RoleMr SPEAKER: I have received a letter from David Shearer seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the release of a document showing that the Government Communications Security Bureau undertook targeted monitoring of international diplomats to support the application of the Hon Tim Groser for the position of Director-General of the World Trade Organization.In ruling on an application for an urgent debate the Speaker has to determine whether there is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. If something occurs in secret it may become a case of recent occurrence for the purpose of the Standing Orders when it becomes publicly known. But the release upon which this application is based does not involve ministerial responsibility. The release was by news site from leaked documents. An urgent debate cannot be granted on the basis of newspaper allegations or speculation. There must be a distinct Governmental responsibility for the particular case that it is seeking to debate. On this basis the case raised does not meet the test for me to set aside the business of the House today. The application is therefore declined.Hon DAVID PARKER (Labour): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I thank you and accept that ruling. It does though place the Opposition in a difficult position if the Government refuses to answer questions as to whether the allegations are correct. I would ask when these issues arise in the next few days for the Speaker to reflect upon whether the Government can effectively stonewall as to whether these allegations made are correct by claiming public interest because as it currently stands if it can do so then the Opposition cannot hold the Government to account in Parliament which would be the wrong outcome.Mr SPEAKER: I will certainly watch answers carefully in the future but having been here for some years on many occasions I have seen Ministers take the opportunity—with regard to security matters—to say that it is not in the interests of the country to publicly debate such matters or to answer such questions. So I will certainly do my best to balance that. I appreciate the point that the Hon David Parker is making.