edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
6. Question No. 6—TransportHon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 6—Transport6. Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister of Transport: Is he confident that light rail from the city to the airport in Auckland is the best use of resources; if so why?Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Transport): Yes. It will be a magnet for private investment in urban renewal and it will be able to carry 11000 commuters per hour—the equivalent of four lanes of motorway. The New Zealand Transport Agency advises that the latest transport modelling results indicate that in 2048 there will be 20 million passengers per year using the light-rail line between the city centre and Māngere including an estimated 70000 people per working day. The aim is to provide modern and efficient rapid transit for communities that are now plagued by traffic congestion. Hon Paul Goldsmith: Well how does he know it is the best use of resources if he hasn't yet received a business case? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Because I'm relying on the advice and the modelling of the experts. The business case is under way. The project will not be proceeded with until that business case has been accepted and endorsed. Hon Paul Goldsmith: What evidence has he got that $3.7 billion—if that is the final figure—invested in light rail down Dominion Road will reduce congestion across the Auckland transport network as much as other potential investments such as a second route south along Mill Road dealing with pinch points on the Southern Motorway such as through the East-West Link and other options? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well the evidence is contained in a number of studies that have been carried out by Auckland Transport by the New Zealand Transport Agency and by the Ministry of Transport and I think in the fact that the only progressive transport Minister in the last National Government the Hon Simon Bridges adopted and endorsed light rail between the city centre and Māngere and announced a process of the route alignment. Hon Paul Goldsmith: Is reducing congestion on Auckland's roads his top Auckland priority in transport?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: The top priority of our Auckland transport policy is to give people access to the things that they need to spend money wisely and to reduce the extreme car dependency that city suffers because of years of the last National Government investing only in expensive motorways and starving the rest of the transport system of the resources it needs.Hon Paul Goldsmith: So is reducing congestion on Auckland's roads his top Auckland priority in transport?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well reducing congestion is part of the wider goal of giving people access to the things that they need. But as Aucklanders understand simply building more motorways or adding lanes to the existing motorways induces demand and actually adds to the chronic congestion that the city suffers. Our policy is to give people genuine transport choices by investing in roads motorways walking and cycling public transport and rapid transit. That's how we're going to deliver a 21st century transport system for our country's biggest city.
5. Question No. 5—EducationMARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 5—Education5. MARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister of Education: What responses has he seen to the vocational education reform proposals he announced yesterday?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): We've had some very positive responses from business and industry. Business New Zealand was very positive about the change. The Motor Trade Association said that It's a phenomenally radical approach and we need it. We're short of about 2000 technicians just in automotive." It's been welcomed by the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce who say there are obvious benefits to having a centralised model; the Wellington Chamber of Commerce who have called it a great step forward; and Federated Farmers who say it fully supports the Government's determination to put the spotlight on vocational education. Marja Lubeck: What responses has he seen from the polytechnic sector itself? Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: We've had some very positive and constructive comments from the polytechnic sector body. Some chief executives have expressed concern and some have identified concerns with the proposals that haven't actually been made. The Ara Institute of Canterbury has called it "a strong vision for vocational education". The Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki have said "If anything it brings more teaching and learning to regions such as Taranaki." Karla Davis a student leader at the Universal College of Learning has said that she's excited for this necessary change and the Tertiary Education Union has called it a "Bold proposal [that] puts people at the heart of vocational education" and they go on to say "having a single polytechnic provides a genuine opportunity to ensure long-term stability of jobs not just in [the] major centres but … in the regional communities who have been the big losers under the previous government's failed market experiment in tertiary education"."
4. Question No. 4—Housing and Urban DevelopmentHon JUDITH COLLINS (National—Papakura) to the Minister of Housing and Urban DevelopmentQuestion No. 4—Housing and Urban Development4. Hon JUDITH COLLINS (National—Papakura) to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development: Does he stand by his statement in regards to the Reserve Bank November 2018 Monetary Policy Statement that I don't accept those estimates" and does he now accept the KiwiBuild estimates in the February 2019 Monetary Policy Statement?Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Housing and Urban Development): In general yes and yes.Hon Judith Collins: Does he agree with Adrian Orr Reserve Bank Governor who told the Finance and Expenditure Committee this morning in regards to KiwiBuild "If they were going to build 100 houses that means that between 50 and 75 houses elsewhere aren't built."?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well there's much that I agree with Adrian Orr on in relation to the comments about KiwiBuild in the Monetary Policy Statement particularly the importance of overcoming the capacity constraints that this Government inherited to building houses. But when it comes to the issue of crowding out I don't entirely accept what the Governor had to say. KiwiBuild is fundamentally about building affordable homes and if all these affordable homes were going to be built anyway where have they been built over the last 10 years? The market has simply not been building affordable homes.Hon Judith Collins: Does he believe his officials from the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment who told him in relation to developments at Te Kauwhata and Wānaka that if KiwiBuild didn't underwrite the houses all 386 of the KiwiBuild houses in those two projects would have happened anyway courtesy of the private sector?Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Well there's a range of advice for Te Kauwhata the Wānaka the McLennan and the Mason Square developments and in all of those projects our priority is to incentivise the building of affordable homes not just any homes.Hon Judith Collins: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Although the Minister said a few things he didn't actually answer whether he believed his officials who have told him those houses were due to be built anyway by the private sector.SPEAKER: No I think at a broad interpretation the implication was pretty clear that he didn't.Hon Judith Collins: Does he stand by his answers to written questions Nos. 32124 and 38048 that in regards to the Porirua development KiwiBuild is not making any financial contribution to the project but its role is to simply "monitor the delivery and manage the ballot sales process"? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Yes. Hon Judith Collins: Is it his intention that KiwiBuild will incentivise developers to build "smaller medium-density dwellings in sub-urban locations" as noted in the KiwBuild Buying off the Plans business case? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Yes. Hon Judith Collins: Is he ready to acknowledge that KiwiBuild is not substantially adding to the house supply in areas where it is needed and in homes the sizes that people want to buy but is simply redirecting workers away from private home builders? Hon PHIL TWYFORD: Not at all."
2. Question No. 2—FinanceANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 2—Finance2. ANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he seen on the economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): I've seen a number of reports that demonstrate the solid fundamentals of the economy. Statistics New Zealand's labour market statistics published last week show that across the last two quarters we've recorded the lowest unemployment rates in a decade. The Westpac McDermott Miller Employment Confidence Index for December showed that confidence in the labour market rose strongly to 121.3 its highest level since early 2008. Likewise the Westpac McDermott Miller Regional Economic Confidence survey showed improved confidence across all 11 regions. In Gisborne Hawke's Bay Nelson Marlborough West Coast and Otago at least a net 50 percent of households were expecting improved prospects in their region over the next year. Confidence in the main centres also rose particularly in Auckland—up 30 percentage points. I'm pleased to see that these sentiment surveys show that Kiwis are seeing the reality of our economy's strong base.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: What reports has he seen on the impact of international factors on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Well yesterday the Reserve Bank released its February Monetary Policy Statement which highlighted the continued strength and resilience of the New Zealand economy. What it also showed was the warning from the bank that slowing momentum in the global economy is expected to weigh on growth in New Zealand. The Reserve Bank also pointed to risks from political tensions and trade disputes overseas. In addition the IMF is forecasting global growth to slow this year with advanced economies averaging around 2 percent well below New Zealand's forecast growth rate. These international risks underscore the importance of this Government's commitment to responsible fiscal management and building a more modern and resilient economy. Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: How will the Government's plan to reform New Zealand's institutions help modernise the economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: This morning the Reserve Bank Governor and I signed the first remit setting out the Reserve Bank's new dual objectives around maximum sustainable employment and price stability. We also signed the charter that will govern the decision making of the bank's new monetary policy committee. Under the remit signed today the Reserve Bank's operational objectives for monetary policy are to keep inflation between 1 and 3 percent over the medium term with a focus on keeping inflation near the 2 percent midpoint and to support maximum sustainable employment. These objectives will ensure that monetary policy better supports the New Zealand economy as we head towards the middle part of the 21st century.
Taxation (Annual Rates for 2018-19 Modernising Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill — Second Reading
Andersen GinnyGINNY ANDERSEN (Labour): Thank you for the opportunity to be taking a short call on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2018-19 Modernising Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill. As most of the key areas in this bill have been well traversed I'd like to focus quickly on information sharing and collection. This bill does a great job at modernising some of the current provisions in how we work.Two important improvements of how the Inland Revenue Department collects information I'll touch on quickly. First it clarifies in the legislation that information collected for one inland revenue purpose can be used in fact for other functions which makes it far easier for people utilising the system. They don't have to provide the same information again and again. Secondly it provides a regulation-making power for repeat collection of third-party databases. While inland revenue always can collect current information the new rules will provide a greater transparency where this collection is done on a regular basis.Finally it's interesting to see that what this also does is it provides for the New Zealand Police information sharing. Already police are allowed to use it for the financial intelligence unit. It contains police who are non-sworn and the current legal provisions are that you have to be a constable to do that. So it's great that this bill enables that unit which does great work in the anti - money-laundering space for people who are not sworn who work within police to be able to utilise that for good purposes. So without further time on this bill I'd like to commend it to the House.
McAnulty KieranKIERAN McANULTY (Labour): Thank you very much Madam Assistant Speaker. It is my pleasure to stand here and prove to the nation that not everyone from Wairarapa is boring and it is also my pleasure to come after Alastair Scott because I've been coming after Alastair Scott for 18 months and it's going very well indeed. But I wanted to speak in favour of this bill just like everybody else that stood here to speak for this bill. Even on that side they've all spoken in favour of it but they're not going to vote for it. On this side of the House we are going to vote for this bill.Now I won't go on and on like some of us have today because actually there's not too much more to say. I do want to mention one particular thing and then I'll sit down. The changes in here that look to address the issues surrounding our fire and emergency volunteers that go away take time away from work and get an honorarium to train up in Rotorua with the national training institute there for the fire brigade—it's a big ask and at the moment it is just a hindrance. To be honest with you that is an absolute common-sense approach and good on the Finance and Expenditure Committee. That was one day where National decided not to pack a sad. They sat there and they worked together as a committee and they came up with something simple. I commend the bill to the House. It's a marvellous bill.
Hipkins Chris; Brownlee Gerry; Mallard TrevorTHURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2019The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.BUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): The debate on the Prime Minister's statement will conclude on Wednesday 20 February. Legislation to be considered next week will include the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2018-19 Modernising Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill the Social Workers Registration Legislation Bill the Crimes Amendment Bill and the Accident Compensation Amendment Bill. At 5.45 p.m. on Wednesday Agnes Loheni will make her maiden statement.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): I thank the Leader of the House for that indication of work ahead. Can I just take this opportunity to thank the Government for the rapid answering of questions that were outstanding. That's been most helpful—thank you. But I would like to know if the Government given the current state of foreign relations has any intention to pass the Autonomous Sanctions Bill in the near future.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): With regard to the first part of the member's comment can I thank him for that. Can I note that I've been advised this morning that this may be the first time ever that there have been no overdue written parliamentary questions in the system. With regard to the second part of his statement we don't intend to progress that next week.SPEAKER: Well I want to add my thanks to the members for discovering that they can do what was regarded as impossible.
Tuesday 19 February 2019 - Volume 736
Social Workers Registration Legislation Bill — In Committee—Clauses 1 & 2
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 55New Zealand National 55.Motion agreed to.Clause 1 agreed to.Clause 2 agreed to.Bill to be reported with amendment presently.
Social Workers Registration Legislation Bill — In Committee—Part 2
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 55New Zealand National 55.Motion agreed to.Part 2 agreed to.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 187 in the name of the Hon Carmel Sepuloni to Schedule 1 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 55New Zealand National 55.Amendments agreed to.Schedule 1 as amended agreed to.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 187 in the name of the Hon Carmel Sepuloni to Schedule 2 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 55New Zealand National 55.Amendments agreed to.Schedule 2 as amended agreed to.
VoteThe question was put that the amendments recommended by the Finance and Expenditure Committee by majority be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Amendments agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2018-19 Modernising Tax Administration and Remedial Matters) Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Bill read a second time.Sitting suspended from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That this debate be now adjourned.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; Ross.Motion agreed to.Debate adjourned.
12. Question No. 12—JusticeGINNY ANDERSEN (Labour) to the Minister of JusticeQuestion No. 12—Justice12. GINNY ANDERSEN (Labour) to the Minister of Justice: What recent announcements have been made about ensuring victims' voices are heard in relation to fixing New Zealand's criminal justice system?Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Justice): I've recently announced a new survey to enable victims of crime to be heard in their own words about how our criminal justice system can be fixed. Victims of crime are the one group of people in our criminal justice system who are there not because of any choice they've made or action they've taken and yet they're often the most overlooked part of the system. The findings of the survey will be used to inform the Government's Chief Victims Adviser as well as the Ministry of Justice and Hāpaitia te Oranga Tangata: Safe and Effective Justice programme.Ginny Andersen: What will the survey achieve?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: I've asked Dr McGregor the Chief Victims Advisor to lead the programme of work and specifically to conduct the survey so that we can fix the system and ensure that victims achieve justice without feeling re-victimised by the process all over again. Preliminary results will be available for the victims workshop being held in early March—that's next month—which follows the successful criminal justice summit last August. Ginny Andersen: Why is this survey important to help fix New Zealand's criminal justice system?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: We know that many victims feel let down by the current system and that they find it difficult to navigate their way to justice and to restoration. That's not good enough and we're working hard to learn the lessons from the past. Fixing the criminal justice system means putting victims and survivors at the heart of the change we make. We must have fewer victims of crime and they must be better supported.
9. Question No. 9—VeteransDARROCH BALL (NZ First) to the Minister for VeteransQuestion No. 9—Veterans9. DARROCH BALL (NZ First) to the Minister for Veterans: What announcements has he made regarding recognition for Vietnam veterans?Hon RON MARK (Minister for Veterans): Last week we announced that 30 Vietnam veterans who were mentioned in despatches (MID) would be recognised by the Governor-General and have their citations formally presented to them in Government House. Receiving an MID is an honour bestowed following an act of bravery in the face of the enemy or meritorious service. During the time of the Vietnam War formal recognition was often never given. Soldiers were generally informed of the award by an officer with a handshake in a somewhat perfunctory manner. Formal ceremonies were finally held last week at Government House in Auckland and in Wellington with members of families of those servicemen who had passed away present.Darroch Ball: Why was it important to hold these investitures?Hon RON MARK: Following their return from service many Vietnam veterans felt very let down by the nation they had served voluntarily. In 2008 the Government of the day arranged a formal parade and an apology. However deep wounds still remained for many who had served in Vietnam.Hon Maggie Barry: What about Korea?Hon RON MARK: Last week's ceremony was appropriate recognition for those who went above and beyond in their service in Vietnam. Some of the citations revealed incredible acts of valour in the face of the enemy whilst under fire. It is worth noting that the practice of mentioning an action of bravery in despatches today has been discontinued and instead such men women and service personnel would be awarded the New Zealand Gallantry Medal. Last week's ceremony was another small step in healing the wounds of those who served in Vietnam.Hon Maggie Barry: Korea? Malaya? What about the others?Darroch Ball: What other announcements has he made regarding recognition of Vietnam veterans?Hon RON MARK: Today I announced that the Australian Government has awarded unit citation for 120 members of 161 Battery who fought in the battle of Coral-Balmoral in Vietnam. The citation recognises a unit who as a whole displayed extraordinary gallantry as a team. This is the first Australian unit citation for gallantry that has been awarded to a New Zealand military unit and it is a great honour. The award will be presented by representatives of the Australian Government at a ceremony in March.SPEAKER: Just before I call Paul Goldsmith can I say that there are some questions which are probably more special than others and require I think a level of decorum. I know that members of this House—especially those who are older than the average—will have a range of views on this particular topic but I think that having interjections through the first two or three parts of that answer showed a lack of decorum which is not appropriate.
5. Question No. 5—Prime MinisterHon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Prime MinisterQuestion No. 5—Prime Minister5. Hon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all her Government's statements policies and actions?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN (Prime Minister): Yes.Hon Paula Bennett: Will the referendum at the next election be to decriminalise recreational marijuana?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: As I said last week in the House the Government is currently working on developing the question that will be put to New Zealanders. It will not be a Government position; it will be a binding referendum for the public.Hon Paula Bennett: Will the binding referendum be to decriminalise recreational marijuana?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Obviously we have set about to undertake this to fulfil a commitment under our confidence and supply agreement. Beyond that of course we are still working through the details as a Government.Hon Paula Bennett: What is the difference between decriminalisation and legalisation?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Obviously there are differences. The way that we would put that in a question is something that we are still working through. And obviously it's the extent of the regulatory regime that would apply. Hon Paula Bennett: Does she stand by her previous statements that we will be having a referendum on legalising recreational cannabis?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Of course I've been making reference to the commitments that we have made under our confidence and supply agreement with the Green Party. I have said also though that we continue to need to work through the finer detail of the question that is put and how we will ensure that it is a binding referendum. Again I'm intrigued though that the Opposition cannot see that this is us putting a question to the public. It is not a Government position; it is us going to the public in order to seek their view and their feedback on what is a critical issue of public debate and discourse.Hon Paula Bennett: Has the Prime Minister thought whether the question is around legalisation or decriminalisation makes a huge difference to how people will vote?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Yes absolutely. Members of the public will have ample time to consider their position. There will also be ample time I'm sure with all those with an interest in this issue to put out information and conduct a public discussion over this issue. This should not be an alien concept to the member. Of course we went through this process with the binding referendum over the flag. I'm hoping the conversation in this regard will be more meaningful than it was last time.
4. Question No. 4—Prime MinisterJAMI-LEE ROSS (Botany) to the Prime MinisterQuestion No. 4—Prime Minister4. JAMI-LEE ROSS (Botany) to the Prime Minister: How many times has she or the Cabinet granted approval for a Minister to travel overseas since 26 October 2017 and how many of those travel approvals have included approval for personal travel overseas" as outlined in sections 2.124 or 2.125 of the Cabinet Manual?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN (Prime Minister): I am advised that there were 150 trips for official purposes approved and conducted. On two occasions official business occurred with personal travel attached. This was in accordance with the Cabinet Manual. Thirty-eight trips have been for personal travel. I have been advised that this compares similarly to travel by the previous administration where between 1 January 2011 and 30 October 2013 72 personal trips were approved by the then Prime Minister and none were declined and 367 trips for official purposes were approved between 1 January 2011 and 24 November 2013. I would have liked to have been able to give a member a direct comparison between the past and the current administration but unfortunately I do not have that information and data available to me. Jami-Lee Ross: Is it a policy of her Government for a Minister to be granted approval to extend an overseas visit outside the formal itinerary if the purpose of doing so is to meet with a foreign national to procure or attempt to procure a political party donation? Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: I would expect any personal travel to be within the guidance of the Cabinet Manual. Beyond that I won't speak to hypotheticals. Jami-Lee Ross: What action will she take if it's found that a Minister has sought her approval to depart from a formal itinerary while on an overseas visit to meet with a foreign national to procure a political party donation?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Again my expectation would be that I would approve all leave within the guidance of the Cabinet Manual but I will not speculate on hypotheticals; I will deal with information that is provided directly to me."
3. Question No. 3—FinanceDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 3—Finance3. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): A number of reports released recently show that the economy is continuing to move along at a solid pace. The BNZ-Business New Zealand Performance of Services Index (PSI) released yesterday shows the services sector continued to expand in January. The PSI improved to 56.3 percent its highest level in eight months and higher than the long-term average of 54.5 percent. Business New Zealand's Kirk Hope said it was good to see 2019 start off on solid expansion grounds." I agree with Mr Hope's analysis that it's encouraging that real data—real data—shows that the fundamentals of the economy are strong. Dr Duncan Webb: What reports has he seen on the contribution of small businesses to the economy? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Earlier this month Xero published its Small Business Insights for December which again highlighted the solid fundamentals of the economy. Xero's insights showed firms were paying bills faster sending more invoices and continuing to show positive cash flow. Economist Cameron Bagrie using language that I would not use said that the "data continues to deliver the middle finger salute to those who claim the economy is entering a downturn." I appreciate Mr Bagrie's honest and forthright analysis and I agree with his sentiment that the Small Business Insights show that yet more real data from the economy demonstrates its solid growth. Dr Duncan Webb: What reports has he seen on the Government's management of the economy? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Well last week Moody's released its latest credit opinion for the Government reaffirming our triple A stable credit rating. They said that "The stable outlook is anchored by [the] expectation that even in the face of shocks New Zealand's credible institutions with highly effective policymaking and ample policy space will maintain economic and financial stability". Moody's commented on the Government's use of the well-being Budget to enhance the social cultural and environmental impact of investment and funding decisions saying that "The Government's ongoing focus on well-being denotes very high institutional capacity and fiscal flexibility." I'll back Moody's over the Opposition on that any day."
Crimes Amendment Bill — In Committee—Part 1
Penk Chris; Rurawhe AdrianCHRIS PENK (National—Helensville): Thank you Mr Chair. I rise with some pleasure to speak to the Crimes Amendment Bill and as you've just alluded to it includes Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) 185 in the name of Minister Andrew Little who I see is now in the chair. I look forward to his involvement and interaction throughout the debate that will no doubt follow. If I may just begin by talking about what it is that the SOP—regarding the theft of livestock and animals—is designed to achieve I'll perhaps start with noting that this is what is popularly known as stock rustling. Rustling" is a particular word used in relation to livestock that doesn't have any other meanings I think in relation to theft. But nevertheless the legislation of course adopts the language elsewhere in the Crimes Act in relation to theft and indeed stealing as we'll see when we get to what will be new section 220A. So my first question to the Minister—through you Mr Chair—is in relation to the description of the new offence of "theft of livestock and other animals". It seems to me slightly redundant to have a description that includes both the word "livestock" and the words "other animals" because surely if one were to have animals that would include livestock. Obviously all livestock are animals but not all animals are livestock if you follow. So perhaps while I leave that question hanging for the Minister to perhaps consider along with any other officials who may wish to brief him I note that the maximum term that would be accorded to such an offence is seven years—of course the same penalty for breaking a mirror but I won't reflect further on that Mr Chair. I can't see you allowing me that indulgence in relation to mirrors. So moving on then to the other similarly—CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Sorry to interrupt the member but it has come time for me to report progress.House resumed.The Chairperson reported the Social Workers Registration Legislation Bill with amendment progress on the Crimes Amendment Bill and no progress on the Accident Compensation Amendment Bill.Report adopted.The House adjourned at 9.56 p.m."
Rurawhe AdrianCRIMES AMENDMENT BILLIn CommitteePart 1 Substantive amendments to principal ActCHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Members we now come to the Crimes Amendment Bill. This debate includes consideration of Supplementary Order Paper 185 which the House has instructed the committee to consider.
Sepuloni CarmelHon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development): I wasn't going to take another call but I will just respond to a few of the points raised. So the issue around why the bill is called the Social Workers Registration Legislation Bill is because this is about the registration of social workers and it's a bill. Just responding to Simon O'Connor's question about why the word registered" doesn't need to be used throughout the bill it is because this bill is legislating that social worker registration is mandatory so then we no longer need to refer to the registered social worker inside the bill because anyone that uses this title from here on in will be a registered social worker. So we don't need to use that word in there.Can I also just address some of the issues that were raised around funding and can I just state that Government agencies will be working with the board to ensure that preparations are in place to support the implementation of what they're going to be expected to do and their board—and I'm sure that they raised this—will get extra funding from the increase in registrations as well as the streamlining that will occur as part of what they're doing which will reduce some of the board's current costs."
Henare PeeniHon PEENI HENARE (Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector): I move That the question be now put.
Sepuloni CarmelHon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development): I will take the time just to outline what is in the preliminary clauses part of this bill. I just want to state that we are here talking about the renaming of the Act and the set-up of commencement provisions.Can I just say that with respect to the timing of provisions which has been raised by the honourable member Louise Upston it does state really clearly that following the passing of the bill there are two years to prepare for mandatory registration. That was in the original bill. That's not impacted or influenced by the Supplementary Order Paper that we've brought to the House.Also it goes on to say that once the bill receives Royal assent changes to social worker registration will be implemented in stages. Some of the bill will enter into force the day following Royal assent including changes to professional development for social workers new mandatory reporting requirements to the board for employers of social workers and various administrative and efficiency improvements. Also five years after Royal assent—expected to be in 2024—the experience-based pathway to registration will be repealed which will complete the legislative changes.So the three points that I've just outlined actually align exactly with what was in the original bill and are not impacted by Supplementary Order Paper 187 in any way. The clauses of the bill and the sections that are are those that mention scopes of practice. So for instance social workers employers and the board have two years to ensure new policies and processes are in place requiring all social workers to be registered under a scope of practice and for practising social workers to also have a practising certificate. Social workers are eligible to be registered only if they are competent and fit to practise social work.So without trying to traverse that area again—it's been covered off in Part 1 and Part 2—can I just say that the majority of what is in here apart from that which refers to scopes of practice was actually set in the original bill. So I don't feel like there is much to debate there given that we had agreement to those time frames.
Dyson RuthHon RUTH DYSON (Labour—Port Hills): I move That the question be now put.
Henare PeeniHon PEENI HENARE (Associate Minister for Social Development): I move That the question be now put.
Sepuloni CarmelHon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development): Mr Chair just to clarify because the Hon Alfred Ngaro and the Hon Louise Upston raised a similar point which I'll speak to very briefly and that is with respect to views by the sector on the changes or amendments to the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act through Part 2 of this legislation. Can I say really clearly that I and my officials are not aware of any concerns raised about this particular part of the bill that we're considering today.
Kanongata'a-Suisuiki Anahila; Williams PotoANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour): I move That the question be now put.CHAIRPERSON (Poto Williams): I think I'll take one more. I think I'll call Denise Lee.
Sepuloni CarmelHon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development): I'll just respond to a couple of the points that were raised. One was around minimum qualifications. So can I just state really clearly that eligibility to register continues to require minimum specified qualifications and scopes won't change that. However specialist scopes if established may well require additional specialist qualifications. So that's consideration down the track but we're not putting those again into the legislation.Can I also just state that we have had a number of amendments tabled which is fine—that's this process—but perhaps before tabling them the Opposition should make sure that they're worded correctly so that we don't have to have them withdrawn and corrected versions then tabled in the House. Thank you very much.
Ngaro AlfredSOCIAL WORKERS REGISTRATION LEGISLATION BILLIn CommitteeDebate resumed from 13 February.Part 1 Amendments to Social Workers Registration Act 2003 (continued)Hon ALFRED NGARO (National): Thank you Madam Chair. I just want to recap the situation. Sorry could I just have a clarification about the time I've got available please?CHAIRPERSON (Poto Williams): Yes one minute and ten seconds we had. We can amend that. We have the technology. There we go—away you go.Hon ALFRED NGARO: Thank you Madam Chair. When I last was speaking on this Part in the committee of the whole House stage it was just in regards to the issue—to the Minister—which was talking about the definition of social work practice". I just want to go over again the parts of the speech in which I was referring to the submission by the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services. This was in particular on page four of their submission which talked about the definition and in particular around "Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development". Then as I go down it actually referred to "Underpinned by theories of social work social sciences humanities and indigenous knowledge". My question to the Minister is had she considered also too the concerns that were raised in regards to the definition of social work practice in particular to kaupapa Māori? I specifically want to raise the point that came through in the submissions from the Tangata Whenua Social Workers Association where in particular in the first page of the submission—[Time expired]"
Webb DuncanDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central): Thank you Mr Assistant Speaker. I want to take this opportunity to talk about something which is relatively technical which the Finance and Expenditure Committee looked that and that is the commissioner's duty of care and management under this bill. Perhaps interestingly I want to talk about something that didn't make it past the select committee and that is the proposed power of the commissioner to essentially suspend tax provisions where the legislation doesn't reflect statutory intent. It's an unusual thing. Tax legislation is drafted by the Inland Revenue Department and not Parliamentary Counsel Office. One of the obligations of the commissioner is to get the most tax possible.One of the difficulties with technical legislation of this nature is that drafting errors inevitably slip in. Historically that has been tidied up by amendment bills later on. The proposed provision was one which said that the commissioner could take an administrative action—so this is here in Part 2 of the bill clause 9—which essentially suspended the operation of the offending provision and required the taxpayer to buy into that. Now that was a provision that raised real concerns. It was actually taken out of the bill and I invite Inland Revenue when they come to draft it again to look very closely at that question. But we absolutely commend this excellent bill to the House.
Willis NicolaTAXATION (ANNUAL RATES FOR 2018-19 MODERNISING TAX ADMINISTRATION AND REMEDIAL MATTERS) BILLSecond ReadingDebate resumed from 14 February.NICOLA WILLIS (National): When I was speaking last on this bill Minister Andrew Little interjected and he said that it was far right for me to suggest that many New Zealanders would have appreciated tax reductions this year—that many New Zealanders would have appreciated being $1000 better off as a result of tax threshold changes that National would have introduced were we to be leading the Government. He seemed to think that this was far right.What I was saying and what I say today is that it is not far right to believe that New Zealanders can make good use of their own money that they earn. It is not far right to suggest that New Zealanders when they work hard when they work an additional hour or take a promotion might actually benefit from paying less tax. In fact that's pretty mainstream thinking. So the reason that National is opposing this bill is that what it does is it entrenches tax rates that we believe mean that New Zealanders are paying too much tax. What that results in is a Government that is sloppy with the way that it spends and doesn't get good enough results from the work that it does.So let's look across some of the key pledges that this Government made coming in about what it would do with additional tax revenue. Let's take the example of mental health when the Government campaigned on doing more for mental health but has not put in an additional extra dollar—not even one—into mental health services in a way that has been meaningful at all.Dr Duncan Webb: Manaaki—Manaaki in Christchurch.NICOLA WILLIS: The Hon Duncan Webb interjects and he's correct. The Government did produce a working group on mental health to look into some of the issues and the working group has come up with recommendations and the Government has taken it to the next stage in which another six working groups have been created. I put it to you Mr Assistant Speaker that when New Zealanders think about mental health and the Government solving problems what they don't think about is additional working groups. They think about additional services. Then we can look to housing where again this Government has appropriated billions of dollars of New Zealanders' tax of New Zealanders' hard-earned wages to improve housing and yet we've seen fewer than 50 houses built. So what we see here is a bill that entrenches tax rates that are too high that takes money from everyday New Zealanders and that National opposes.We have wanted to make it very clear on the record that this bill also introduces a number of changes administratively that we think are good for the tax system and that we worked on hard in Government particularly as they pertain to KiwiSaver and to secondary tax. That's the good work that a National Government did and how nice it is that Labour are able to conclude in this bill but what a shame that necessary tax reductions are not included as well. We as the National Party will oppose it for that reason.
Woods MeganHon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Energy and Resources): I move That this debate be now adjourned.
Visitors — Fiji—Parliamentary Delegation
Mallard TrevorTUESDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2019The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Karakia.VISITORSFiji—Parliamentary DelegationSPEAKER: I'm sure that members would wish to welcome the honourable members of the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji who are present in the gallery.
Wednesday 20 February 2019 - Volume 736
Crimes Amendment Bill — In Committee—Part 2
VoteThe question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 192 in the name of the Hon Dr Nick Smith to Schedule 1 to replace clause 2 of new Schedule 1AA be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 56New Zealand National 55; Ross.Noes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Amendment not agreed to.Schedule 1 agreed to.Schedule 2 agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; Ross.Motion agreed to.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 185 in the name of the Hon Andrew Little to Part 2 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; Ross.Motion agreed to.The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 185 in the name of the Hon Andrew Little to Part 1 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 112New Zealand National 55; New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Noes 8Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Amendment agreed to.Part 1 as amended agreed to.
Crimes Amendment Bill — In Committee—Part 1 (continued)
VoteThe question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 191 in the name of Hon Carmel Sepuloni to clause 2 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; Ross.Amendment agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 2 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 55; Ross.Clause 2 as amended agreed to.House resumed.Bill reported with amendment.Report adopted.
Social Workers Registration Legislation Bill — In Committee
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That all the words after That" be deleted and replaced with "this House has no confidence in the Labour-led Government because in its ambition to be measured on its vague intentions it is proving itself completely incapable of delivering good outcomes for New Zealanders."Ayes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Noes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Amendment not agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That this House expresses confidence in the coalition Government and commends its programme for 2019 as set out in the extensive Prime Minister's statement.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.Motion agreed to."