edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Kuriger BarbaraBARBARA KURIGER (National—Taranaki - King Country): It is a pleasure to stand and take a call on this third reading of the Care and Support Workers (Pay Equity) Settlement Bill. For the last 2 weeks the Health Committee has been part of a very focused process and it has heard a lot over the last 2 weeks about the lead-up to this process. Again it is a great day to celebrate for all of us but for Kristine Bartlett a special mention here because Kristine was the lady who brought this to bear.What I want to say is that we talk about quick processes—and it has been a very quick process—but it has been a very thorough process and it has been a very considered process by the select committee. There has been the engagement of parties all across the House to ensure that we got this reported back to the House on time so that we could be here today doing this final reading so that we can move on with the job.So as the last speaker Iain Lees-Galloway said it is a day to celebrate. It is in the vicinity of $2 billion to be paid out to 55000 very deserving care workers who look after approximately 110000 of New Zealand's most vulnerable people. It is very rewarding to stand here and be able to speak on this reading. I cannot think of a more deserving bunch of people to be accepting this payment.Because we have done what is very much the last piece of the process I think it is worth making a note and commendation to all of those people who negotiated in this process. There is always a bit of give and take—there would have been give and take on both sides—and I think it is really commendable that this process has been brought to us in the House.I also want to say that it is always a pleasure to be part of the Health Committee. The last couple of weeks have been no exception. It is a good select committee. We work well when we have got jobs to do and particularly when under pressure.I want to make note again of the officials. I know this has been said time and time again but we often sent them away and said Look can you report back to us at a certain time?" and every time they did that. They have done a fantastic job. They worked hard. I also just want to make note of the submitters who came to the process too because they came in with a very focused agenda and were very certain about the submissions that they wanted to make. They were very aligned and it made such a huge difference. It was a big help to the process that we have just undertaken. It is a pleasure to commend this bill to the House. Thank you."
O'Connor SimonSIMON O'CONNOR (National—Tāmaki): I am very pleased to take what I think will be a relatively short call in this the third reading. I say short" probably for two reasons. One is that we have traversed in a rather truncated period of time—as I think the member who has just resumed her seat Poto Williams had indicated—the issues quite well. I think the second element is that this is a bill through which we want to bring about a settlement that comes into effect on 1 July so I think speediness is part of the process.Look this is a good bill. It is a good bill first and foremost because it is serving a good sector of the community. I think we have heard in many discussions throughout this process about the work that those in the care and support sector do. I think it has been well explained. In fact I was hearing Louisa Wall earlier in the Committee stage as she explained her own experience there. I think that is typical of many of the stories that have been discussed here and shared with the Health Committee sometimes in voice certainly through email. So this is a good bill because it seeks to do good things for good people. As I had noted in the first and second readings my thanks are to all of those who work in this sector tirelessly day after day. To Kristine Bartlett whom I can see in the gallery there—thank you for your efforts. Thank you for your work with the unions and for then working cooperatively with the providers and the Crown to come to this arrangement.I think fundamentally as I have repeated a few times this bill brings about an agreement. Those negotiations were not undertaken by this House. They have been undertaken in good faith by the various groups working together and I think we have landed in a very positive space. The committee worked quite hard to bring about just some very minor changes. Again they have been touched upon quite quickly and I think articulately in the Committee stage. They are relatively self-explanatory. As I had noted in my second reading speech there was some feedback particularly from providers with some concerns. There are other avenues that will be addressing those. I do have to say there is no underfunding in the health sector. I know that that drum gets beaten a lot and also I do not think it is appropriate to be beating it. I think there is no need to be beating that drum in this space as well. I think politicking at this particular important moment for the care and health sector to try to push a political agenda that does not stack up is not helpful.I really just want to acknowledge again everyone who has been involved. I am very pleased that we have got to this space. I think it is an incredibly important piece of legislation and as this Parliament anticipates winding up later in the year I think this is something it can be rightly proud of."
Kuriger Barbara; Borrows ChesterCARE AND SUPPORT WORKER (PAY EQUITY) SETTLEMENT BILLIn CommitteeBARBARA KURIGER (Junior Whip—National): I seek leave for this Committee stage of the bill to be debated as one question.The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Chester Borrows): Leave is put for that purpose. Is there any objection? There appears to be none.
Appointments — Ombudsman
Woodhouse MichaelAPPOINTMENTSTemporary OmbudsmanHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (Deputy Leader of the House) on behalf of the Leader of the House: I move That pursuant to sections 3 and 8 of the Ombudsmen Act 1975 this House recommend to the Governor-General that Leo Michael Donnelly be appointed as a temporary Ombudsman for a further period of 11 months commencing 1 August 2017.Motion agreed to.
Speaker's Rulings — Select Committees—Participation of Executive Members
SpeechSPEAKER'S RULINGSSelect Committees—Membership Members of the ExecutiveMr SPEAKER: Honourable members yesterday Chris Hipkins raised the matter of members of the executive serving as substitute members of select committees. By convention Cabinet Ministers are not select committee members. That is appropriate given the role committees play in scrutinising the executive. Ministers outside Cabinet often serve on select committees and in some instances Ministers have served on committees that overlap with their ministerial duties.For example the Hon John Carter chaired the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee while he was Associate Minister of Local Government from 2009 to 2011; the Hon Judith Tizard was a member of the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee while she was Associate Minister of Transport from 2005—[Interruption] Order!—to 2008; the Hon Mita Ririnui was a member of the Māori Affairs Committee and Associate Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations from 2005 to 2008; and the Hon Clem Simich chaired the Government Administration Committee while he was the Minister of Racing from 1998 to 1999.All members have political interests. That is inherent in their role. If a conflict arises between a member's ministerial duties and their select committee role that is a matter for the member to manage. The Standing Orders do not require members to excuse themselves from proceedings in which they have an interest though they must declare any financial interest they hold in an item of business before participating—Standing Order 164.A parliamentary under-secretary is a member of the executive but with quite limited responsibilities that derive solely from the Minister they assist. While an under-secretary may have some duties in relation to a Minister's portfolio he or she is not actually responsible for a portfolio and as a result cannot be asked written or oral questions about portfolio duties and would not appear before a select committee during Estimates since an under-secretary cannot be an appropriation Minister. Parliamentary under-secretaries are less likely to face conflicts between their duties as members of the executive and their presence at select committee meetings. If such a conflict was to arise it would be for the member to manage. The public will judge any member who appears not to manage a conflict appropriately.In response to the Hon Trevor Mallard I will also raise this matter with the Standing Orders Committee in its consideration of related matters.
Motions — Iranian Parliament—Terrorist Attack
Graham KennedyIran—Terrorist Attack on ParliamentDr KENNEDY GRAHAM (Green): I seek leave to move a separate different motion and without debate to recognise the attacks on the Iranian Parliament.Mr SPEAKER: And without notice. Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM: I move That this House condemn the terrorist attack on the Iranian Parliament in Tehran and extend its condolences to the families and friends of those killed and injured recognising the bravery of those who put their lives on the line to defend their country's elected representatives both in Iran and around the world.Motion agreed to.
Robertson Grant; Bridges Simon; Graham Kennedy; Carter David; Mallard TrevorGRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I just want to place on the record some concern about the way in which motions such as this are both worded and circulated. This is a very special day for a lot of New Zealanders to celebrate the passing of an iconic piece of legislation but the way in which the motion was put together and the way that the process was gone through for that has led to the situation we have had now. I think that is incredibly unfortunate.The Labour Party supported the Green Party's amendment but we do not feel we can oppose a motion supporting such an iconic and important piece of legislation. Perhaps the Business Committee can address the way we do these motions in the future.Hon SIMON BRIDGES (Leader of the House): Given that the member has raised a number of factual assertions I just want to reject those and make quite clear that the entirely appropriate process was followed by the Government on this motion.Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM (Green): We have some sympathy with the point made by our colleague Grant Robertson. I point out for the information of the House the fact that the original motion on this subject was circulated as I understand it to all parties by the Green Party 5 working days ago—I think last Thursday. I think all parties had it on notice—our motion 5 days ago. It was only this morning in response to the Government's motion that we had to think of an amendment and have negotiations.Mr SPEAKER: I appreciate the point that the three members have raised. But I think the point Grant Robertson made in his contribution—this is actually a matter that does not need to be debated on the floor of the House. It is certainly a matter that I think the Business Committee needs to give further thought to.Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. As the Business Committee considers it will the Business Committee also consider the Standing Orders around whether it is possible to move an amendment to a non-debatable motion. I would have thought that if one cannot take the call it is very hard to move the amendment.Mr SPEAKER: That is something we can also discuss in the Business Committee.
Brownlee Gerry; Graham Kennedy; Flavell Te UruroaMOTIONSNuclear-free Legislation—30th AnniversaryHon GERRY BROWNLEE (Minister of Foreign Affairs): I seek leave to move a motion without notice and without debate to recognise the 30th anniversary of New Zealand's nuclear-free legislation.Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE: I move That this House marks the thirtieth anniversary of our nuclear-free legislation—the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone Disarmament and Arms Control Act which entered into force on 8 June 1987. The opposition to nuclear weapons symbolised by this legislation has become a defining aspect of this country's international reputation and New Zealand continues to work for a nuclear weapon - free world. Whilst recognising the efforts of some countries to reduce their arsenals of nuclear weapons this House also recognises the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and calls upon all States yet to join the Treaty to do so. The concerns that New Zealand and many other countries have recently expressed over North Korea's nuclear programme highlight the importance of working to achieve the goal of a world without nuclear weapons.Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM (Green): I move That all the words after Treaty to do so" be deleted and replaced with: "and also calls upon all States to support the ongoing negotiations for a Convention of the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in which New Zealand is actively engaged."Mr SPEAKER: The question is that the amendment in the name of Dr Kennedy Graham be agreed to. Those of that opinion will say Aye to the contrary No. The Noes have it? A party vote has been called for.Hon TE URUROA FLAVELL (Co-Leader—Māori Party): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The statement came as a bit of a surprise to me at least. Sorry can I just seek clarification of the wording that the member raised for us at this point in time? I did not quite hear it.Mr SPEAKER: I will allow the member on this occasion—I know we are halfway through a vote but for the benefit of the Māori Party—just to repeat the replacement words.Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM (Green): Essentially that the last sentence of the Government's proposed motion be deleted referring to North Korea and there be a new sentence which says the following: "and also calls upon all States to support the ongoing negotiations for a Convention of the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in which New Zealand is actively engaged.""
Bridges SimonTHURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.BUSINESS STATEMENTHon SIMON BRIDGES (Leader of the House): When the House resumes on Tuesday 20 June the Government will look to make progress on the Point England Development Enabling Bill the Energy Innovation (Electric Vehicles and Other Matters) Amendment Bill and a number of other bills on the Order Paper.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Taxation (Budget Measures: Family Incomes Package) Bill be read a first time.Ayes 88New Zealand National 58; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 31New Zealand Labour 31.Bill read a first time.
Taxation (Budget Measures: Family Incomes Package) Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That urgency be accorded.Ayes 62New Zealand National 58; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 57New Zealand Labour 31; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12.Motion agreed to.
VoteHon SIMON BRIDGES (Leader of the House): I move That this debate be now adjourned.A party vote was called for on the question That this debate be now adjourned.Ayes 62New Zealand National 58; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 57New Zealand Labour 31; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12.Motion agreed to.
Budget Statement—Budget Debate
Dowie Sarah; Borrows ChesterSARAH DOWIE (National—Invercargill): It is an absolute pleasure to rise in support of the Taxation (Budget Measures: Family Incomes Package) Bill. I am so very very proud of what this Government has achieved and of the fact that the Hon Steven Joyce has yet again delivered—built on Budgets delivered by our Prime Minister the Rt Hon Bill English once our finance Minister—a ninth Budget that is taking care of all New Zealanders. I am very very pleased that this taxation bill will deliver for low and middle income families and put money in the back pocket of these families to make life easier for them.I just want to start with a quote actually in response to the Opposition which said that this is not going to make a difference for people on the ground. It is from Sonya Donnelly who is the coordinator of the Invercargill & Districts Budget Advisory Service. She said: An extra few bucks a week may be the difference to meet day-to-day living expenses and saving a little bit for things that don't crop up every week like car registrations and school fees." I think that it is absolutely wonderful—Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! It is tragic to interrupt the member; however it is time for me to leave the Chair. The House will resume tomorrow at 9 a.m. Nō reira tēnā koutou tēnā koutou tēnā koutou katoa.Debate interrupted.Sitting suspended from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. (Friday)"
Taxation (Budget Measures: Family Incomes Package) Bill — Second Reading
SpeechThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): Just before I call the next member I just want to indicate to members that I did not pull Mr Robertson up when he was quite wide of the bill. We are now debating the Taxation (Budget Measures: Family Incomes Package) Bill. We are not doing the Budget debate—the appropriation debate. I did not pull Mr Robertson up because the Minister's speech was in fact itself quite broad and I felt it was probably inappropriate to stop him. But I want to indicate to members that from now on we will be tight around debating this bill and we will not be having a pre-run of members' Budget speeches.Grant Robertson: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. It is perhaps more in the nature of a clarification. I respect your ruling obviously. In my speech I did allude at one point to the accommodation supplement and I do just note that it and housing costs are actually covered in some detail in the explanatory—The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): I heard the member. I looked at it and it was probably the thing that let me let him go on a bit more. But he did go well beyond that in his discussions and he talked about a whole pile of spending areas that are not in this bill.
Coleman JonathanHon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (Minister of Health): I move That the Care and Support Worker (Pay Equity) Settlement Bill be reported to the House by 6 June 2017 and that the committee have authority to meet at any time while the House is sitting (except during oral questions) during any evening on a day on which there has been a sitting of the House and on a Friday in a week in which there has been a sitting of the House despite Standing Orders 191 and 194(1)(b) and (c).Motion agreed to.Sitting suspended from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Care and Support Worker (Pay Equity) Settlement Bill — First Reading
Kuriger Barbara; Tisch LindsayBARBARA KURIGER (National—Taranaki - King Country): Today Budget day 2017 is a really momentous move forward for a group of 55000 care workers who have worked so diligently for a very long time for the care of their patients. They are just an outstanding workforce and it is a real pleasure to be standing here.I am really disappointed. This is a chance for all of us to start on the elimination of what has been a systemic undervaluation of a workforce that has been going on for way past our political times—it has been going on in history. We can stand here and talk as the last speaker Tracey Martin did about what happened in 2013 and what happened in 2012 but I think we should celebrate what has happened since that time.I think we want to commend everybody who was involved in this process getting it to the point that it is today. I also want to commend Kristine Bartlett who put so much effort into leading the cause to where we are now.This settlement really is important. As I said we are addressing something that has been in the system for a very long time. There are a whole lot of reasons why this is very important not just for the people who are being cared for—particularly when it is primary care and particularly when those people want to be cared for in their own homes. There is a workforce out there as we have heard today of loving caring people who actually go above and beyond what their work description says who are out there and doing it because they care about the people whom they work for. I think that is really important. It keeps a lot of people close to home for a lot longer and when they do need to go into care there is a specialist population of workers there to look after them.There is something else that I think is really important today and it is around the links in the pay to the qualifications. That will really give these care workers the opportunity after a very long time to be able to start stepping up getting extra pay for extra qualifications and opening themselves up to choices. Often people end up in a space where that is where they have been for a lot of their life and often they do not look at their options for getting out. I want to mention—back to the Budget—hearing the Prime Minister's speech this afternoon when he talked about investing in people and having them lifting themselves out of their situations and helping themselves to make a better life. So this education is a really really important part of this deal giving people a step up and stand out.I also am very pleased to be part of the Health Committee. We work very constructively together and I hope we will on this. We have got a very tight deadline and as the chair Simon O'Connor said before we are going to make every effort to endeavour to have this done by the Tuesday after Queen's Birthday. Thank you.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): The next call is a split call. Denise Roche—5 minutes.
Bridges SimonURGENCYHon SIMON BRIDGES (Leader of the House): I move That urgency be accorded the introduction first reading and referral to a select committee of the Care and Support Worker (Pay Equity) Settlement Bill and the introduction and passing through all stages of the Taxation (Budget Measures: Family Incomes Package) Bill. The Government is moving to take urgency on these bills because they are all a part of a package of moves that has been signalled today in Budget 2017.The Care and Support Worker (Pay Equity) Settlement Bill gives effect to elements of the care and support worker pay equity settlement agreement. As part of that agreement the parties agreed that certain matters would be provided for in legislation. A settlement was agreed between the Crown Crown agencies and relevant unions in April 2017. The parties to the settlement agreed that elements of it would be legislated. As the bill needs to be in effect by 1 July 2017 it will go to a select committee for a short amount of time so it can be reported back to the House by 6 June 2017. This intention has been well signalled.The Taxation (Budget Measures: Family Incomes Package) Bill gives effect to many of the changes announced as part of the Budget 2017 Family Incomes Package. As a package the changes are intended to provide better rewards for hard work improve incomes those with young children or high housing costs and start to simplify the tax and transfer system. Urgency is necessary to give effect to the proposal so that certainty can be provided and the measures can be implemented in time for 1 April 2018. Thank you.
Joyce StevenFirst ReadingHon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Finance): I move That the Appropriation (2017/18 Estimates) Bill be now read a first time.Bill read a first time.
Joyce Steven; Carter DavidAPPROPRIATION (2017/18 ESTIMATES) BILLProcedureHon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Finance): I hereby present the 2017 Budget Speech the Budget at a Glance Capital at a Glance the Fiscal Strategy Report the Budget Economic and Fiscal Update the Summary of Budget Initiatives and the Estimates of Appropriations for the Government of New Zealand for the year ending 30 June 2018.Mr SPEAKER: Those papers are published under the authority of the House.
Joyce Steven; Carter DavidTHURSDAY 25 MAY 2017Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.APPROPRIATION (2016/17 SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES) BILLProcedureHon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Finance): I hereby present the Supplementary Estimates of Appropriations for the Government of New Zealand and supporting information for the year ending 30 June 2017.Mr SPEAKER: That paper is published under the authority of the House.
Thursday 25 May 2017 (continued on Friday 26 May 2017) - Volume 722
Taxation (Budget Measures: Family Incomes Package) Bill — Third Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Taxation (Budget Measures: Family Incomes Package) Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 86New Zealand National 58; Green Party 12; New Zealand First 12; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 31New Zealand Labour 31.Bill read a third time.The House adjourned at 3.21 p.m. (Friday)
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That Clause 1 be agreed to.Ayes 86New Zealand National 58; Green Party 12; New Zealand First 12; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 31New Zealand Labour 31.Clause 1 agreed to.The question was put that the following amendment in the name of Marama Davidson to clause 2 be agreed to: replace clause 2(2)" with:(2)Part 1 other than section 6 comes into force on 1 April 2018.(2A)Section 6 comes into force on 1 July 2017.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to.Ayes 55New Zealand Labour 31; Green Party 12; New Zealand First 12.Noes 62New Zealand National 58; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Amendment not agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question Clause 2 be agreed to.Ayes 86New Zealand National 58; Green Party 12; New Zealand First 12; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 31New Zealand Labour 31.Clause 2 agreed to.House resumed.Bill reported without amendment.Report adopted."
Taxation (Budget Measures: Family Incomes Package) Bill — In Committee
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Taxation (Budget Measures: Family Incomes Package) Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 86New Zealand National 58; Green Party 12; New Zealand First 12; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 31New Zealand Labour 31.Bill read a second time.
SpeechThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Trevor Mallard): Order! The member's time has expired. I have been listening very carefully to the beginning and the end of the member's speech and I do want to warn the House of the rules that to state that it was the intention of a Minister to misrepresent something is in fact indicating a breach of privilege and that is something that is not appropriate to bring up on the floor of the House.
Sage EugenieEUGENIE SAGE (Green): I am pleased to rise to speak on the Taxation (Budget Measures: Family Incomes Package) Bill but I take issue with the comments made by the previous speaker Mr Brett Hudson that we have a strong economy and we will get on to debating that next week. This bill is a miserly bill but it is one that the Green Party is prepared to support—and we are certainly not supporting the Budget—because it does deliver benefits for those most in need. It is as the Child Poverty Action Group said a drop when we need a tide of relief for those families—it is a trickle when we need a tide—but it is at least something.It is enormously cynical that this Government has waited for nearly 9 years to do this and that it is doing it now in an election year yet holding out the benefits that the changes to the tax thresholds and the abatement rates will bring until 1 July next year. We made attempts in the Committee stage to make sure that the changes came in earlier in April; those did not go through. We would have preferred them to come in earlier because we know the very real hardship that so many families are enduring and as my colleague Marama Davidson has said it is simply negligent to require those families to wait for 12 months or more before the changes come in. So we are very disappointed that that amendment did not pass.The Green Party believes that the Government has a critical role in enabling our society's well-being and it is of course through changes to our taxation system that that can be achieved. We will be announcing a much more progressive tax policy closer to the election because it is Government policy that makes the biggest difference in terms of family incomes. We have seen this Government allow the housing crisis to get worse and worse and worse so that more and more of family income is devoted to paying housing costs.In 1982 we had 14 percent of children living in poverty; right now 28 percent of our children are living in poverty. But this bill through the changes to the tax thresholds through the increase in the family tax credits will give some assistance to several thousand families that are dealing with fundamental hardship. For them a few dollars a week does actually make a real difference. The bill is cynical in that it does allow tax cuts for those like us in this House who do not need them but it is because of the support that it gives to those families who are enduring the most—particularly families where parents are not in paid work and are on a benefit—that the bill delivers to them. They are at the bottom of the heap they need the most assistance and the bill does give them something. That is one of the major reasons we are supporting it because otherwise they would get nothing. The Greens have always voted for legislation that does seek to deliver benefits to those who are enduring hardship. Thank you.
Dean JacquiThird ReadingHon JACQUI DEAN (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs) on behalf of the Minister of Finance: I am very happy and proud to speak to the Taxation (Budget Measures: Family Incomes Package) Bill.Mr SPEAKER: Order! I just require the member to move the third reading of this legislation.Hon JACQUI DEAN: I move That the Taxation (Budget Measures: Family Incomes Package) Bill be now read a third time. The action we are taking in this Budget is all about helping New Zealand families get ahead. To recap briefly this bill reduces taxes for low- and middle-income earners increasing the rewards for working hard. This bill starts to simplify the tax and transfer system by discontinuing the independent earner tax credit and aligning the family tax credit rates for children of all ages. This bill ensures Working for Families is better targeted at lower-income families. In total approximately 310000 families will benefit from the increases to the family tax credit. The measures in the Government's family income package will lift 20000 households above the threshold for severe housing stress.As always I am grateful for the efforts of all of those who have contributed to the passage of this bill so far. My thanks go to the officials who worked on the policy development and to the drafters who worked on the detail of the draft legislation.The measures in this bill are the first step in allowing Kiwi families to spend more of their own money so they can make the decisions that are best for them. It is therefore with great pleasure that I commend this bill to the House.
Shaw JamesJAMES SHAW (Co-Leader—Green): I just wanted to pick up on what Michael Wood was saying then about comments that Minister Goldsmith had made earlier that the convention in tax law is for it to take effect on 1 April the following year. He did not actually provide any reason logistically why you could not vary that. The excise tax on tobacco for example can kick in immediately and we know that the convention there is that when you do things like increase excise taxes and so on you do that immediately after the Budget so as to try to avoid people modifying their behaviour in advance of it coming in. With the inverse—which is what you have got here and essentially it is a reduction in income taxes—the only logistical reason why you cannot bring that in any earlier is the amount of time it takes for the Inland Revenue Department and for different organisations to work those changes through their payroll systems and so on which is why Marama Davidson's amendment to the clause is that the date of commencement should come forward to 1 July.We are not suggesting that it comes forward immediately. That would be impractical simply because the Inland Revenue Department and different organisations would not be able to adjust their systems in time to deal with it but we think that just over 2 months is actually not an unreasonable period of time. It is tight but it is doable. So I would like the Minister to address not what the convention is but why there is a logistical reason why we cannot bring this forward and make sure that the families whom this bill says it intends to reach and intends to support start receiving that support as soon as is practically possible rather than waiting more than a full year for the introduction of this—and waiting for the election. This really does speak to the sincerity of the Government in its intention when it comes to the purpose of the bill. The commencement clause actually is relevant to the actual purpose of the bill here and I do think that the Minister needs to address why it is that he thinks that it is not actually practical to do it any sooner. Simply relying on or hiding behind convention does not cut it.
Goldsmith PaulHon PAUL GOLDSMITH (Minister for Tertiary Education Skills and Employment): It is the usual practice when tax changes are brought in that they start on 1 April the following year and that is the process that we are following this time. I will just comment on the statement that the member James Shaw made that it was highly probable there would be a change in Government. I reject that assertion. I think it is very unlikely because this Government is one that is delivering for all New Zealanders.
Goldsmith PaulHon PAUL GOLDSMITH (Minister for Tertiary Education Skills and Employment): I wanted to respond briefly to the comments of the previous speaker Grant Robertson who seemed to be trying to imply that anybody earning less than $14000 will get nothing out of this Budget.Grant Robertson: No the tax package.Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH: The tax package. Well what we are talking about here is the Budget—Grant Robertson: No it's not. It's Part 2. It's about the tax package.Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH: —yes—and Part 2 of this bill. But the context of that is that everybody—what we are focusing on is lower-earning families with higher housing costs so people who are struggling with—Grant Robertson: This bill is about tax changes and they get nothing.Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH: Yes. If they are struggling with housing costs they are going to achieve much greater support through the housing accommodation supplements as well. So yes if you are earning below the tax threshold you will not be getting any changes from the tax system but there is a broader contribution that is being made through this Budget. I would just like to say that this is possible only because of the strong economy and the good—The CHAIRPERSON (Lindsay Tisch): Come back to the bill.Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH: —guidance of this Government generally. So I wanted to make that point just to correct a sort of misinterpretation or the mis-impression that could be gained if anybody was listening to this debate and thought that just because an income earner was below $14000 there was nothing for them in this broader package.
Ross Jami-Lee; Mallard TrevorJAMI-LEE ROSS (Senior Whip—National): I move That the question be now put.The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard): Is anyone else going for the call?
Ross Jami-Lee; Mallard TrevorJAMI-LEE ROSS (Senior Whip—National): I move That the question be now put.The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard): I will call Grant Robertson. I warn members that we are getting very close to the end. There was nothing novel in the last speech.
Ross Jami-Lee; Mallard TrevorJAMI-LEE ROSS (Senior Whip—National): I move That the question be now put.The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Trevor Mallard): No this is a major piece of the bill—a lot of money involved.
Macindoe TimHon TIM MACINDOE (Minister of Customs): A couple of members have asked some questions and so I would just try to give an answer to those. Michael Woods commented on what he saw as some inconsistencies—Dr Megan Woods: Wood. No s". No "s". No "s". No. I'm Woods.Iain Lees-Galloway: Plural. Singular.Hon TIM MACINDOE: Woods? I beg your pardon—I beg your pardon—Michael Wood. He commented on the independent earner tax credit (IETC)—Hon David Parker: Can't see the wood for the trees.Hon TIM MACINDOE: Ha ha! Oh but I am sure he will get there eventually Mr Parker. The point is that the IETC is relatively poorly targeted. Only 32 percent of eligible individuals claim it during the actual year of their eligibility. The important thing to note is that they are compensated in this particular Budget measure by the $14000 threshold increase. I am advised that 645000 people were eligible in 2015 80 percent did claim eventually but only 32 percent claim during the year—that was 204000 people. So the rest either claimed after the tax year or not at all. So clearly it was not having the impact that would have been anticipated at the time that was introduced.Metiria Turei added to that particular point and added some more comments on the tax threshold changes in Working for Families. The tax threshold changes at $14000 will undoubtedly help lower income families. Not only is that helping those at the bottom end; it has got to be seen in the context of a much more significant families package in this Budget which is a very substantial package indeed. That includes the accommodation supplement changes which will benefit 136000 families by an average of $36 a week; 75000 beneficiary families will gain on average $30 so that will definitely be welcome and very helpful to them.Working for Families payments are being increased by considerably more than is currently scheduled in the inflation indexation by between 10 percent and in some cases as much as 42 percent. Around 310000 families will benefit from those changes. Working for Families payments are a very targeted measure to increase incomes to families with young children. It is important to note that that is where the focus is. Changes to the abatement settings will help to target that assistance to relatively low income families. I would have thought that the Labour Party would warmly welcome that and would be supporting those changes."
Prosser RichardRICHARD PROSSER (NZ First): I guess we have got to the fascinating and technical part of the debate on this bill. I just want to say first off—partly in answer I guess to my colleague James Shaw—that New Zealand First will not be supporting the amendments in the name of Jacinda Ardern essentially because we have said that we are supporting the bill and for the reasons that we are doing so although we oppose the Budget. This bill does bring about changes in taxation and accommodation allowances that will benefit those parts of society at which they are aimed. And this amendment essentially takes the guts out of it. It would essentially make the bill at nullity in terms of what it is intended to do its stated intention and how it will go about achieving that. So for those reasons we will not be supporting this particular amendment.We do however have a late-minute addition to the process ourselves. There is an amendment in my name No. 00 and the purpose of it is to ensure that tax and associated rates are adjusted automatically for inflation using the New Zealand Consumers Price Index (CPI) metrics already in the bill. So essentially what it does is amend clause 15 schedule 1; clause 17 schedule 6; clause 18 schedule 31; clause 20 section 24B; clause 21 section 33AA; and clause 22 section 33C to bring about an automatic change in rates when there has been from the date of 1 April 2018 a total movement in the Consumers Price Index of 5 percent.As I say this mechanism already exists in the principal Act primarily with regard to the family tax credit. Making changes of this type now at this stage of the bill will help bring about an end to fiscal drag and will help we believe to ensure—with the measures undertaken as a result of this bill and Act that it will become after progressing—that New Zealanders will pay the right amount of tax as opposed to having overpaid by we are told something like $800 million to date. I would be interested in hearing from members on the Government side—the Minister perhaps—as to what the National Government's approach and attitude is to having a look at this amendment in a way that we believe can improve the bill.As I say again we are supporting it anyway because of the stated aims and intention although we oppose the Budget of which it is part. But we do believe that an amendment of this nature will make the bill functionally better and it will expedite any alterations that may need to be made to it further down the track. If the ability to adjust the rates in line with the CPI is inherent in the bill as it goes through the Parliament is not likely to find itself in a position in a number of years' time of having to go back and debate the entire bill to make changes then. For those reasons I would ask the Government and other members to consider this amendment and we continue to support the bill. Thank you.
Tisch LindsayTHURSDAY 25 MAY 2017(continued on Friday 26 May 2017)TAXATION (BUDGET MEASURES: FAMILY INCOMES PACKAGE) BILLSecond ReadingDebate resumed.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): Members the House is resumed under urgency. We are on the interrupted debate on the second reading of the Taxation (Budget Measures: Family Incomes Package) Bill. Speaking last time was Sarah Dowie and she has 8 minutes remaining if she wishes. [Interruption] She does not want to take the call so the next call is a split call. I am calling Marama Davidson—5 minutes for the Green Party.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 62New Zealand National 58; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 57New Zealand Labour 31; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12.Motion agreed to.The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 311 in the name of the Hon Te Ururoa Flavell to the proposed amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 279 in his name to clause 71C be agreed to. Amendment to the amendment agreed to.The question was put that the amendments as amended set out on Supplementary Order Paper 279 in the name of the Hon Te Ururoa Flavell to Part 3 be agreed to.Amendments as amended agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 3 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 62New Zealand National 58; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 57New Zealand Labour 31; Green Party 14; New Zealand First 12.Part 3 as amended agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Statutes Repeal Bill be now read a third time.Ayes 105New Zealand National 58; New Zealand Labour 31; New Zealand First 12; Māori Party 2; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1.Noes 14Green Party 14.Bill read a third time.
Statutes Repeal Bill — Third Reading
12. Budget 2017—Tax System ChangesANDREW BAYLY (National—Hunua) to the Minister of RevenueBudget 2017—Tax System Changes12. ANDREW BAYLY (National—Hunua) to the Minister of Revenue: What improvements is the Government making to New Zealand's tax system?Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Revenue): Talofa lava. This Government has a massive programme of work dedicated to improving the tax system. Budget 2017 will make a huge improvement to the tax system by increasing after-tax incomes. From 1 April next year the $14000 income tax threshold will increase to $22000 and the $48000 threshold will increase to $52000 and 2.533 million people are set to gain from this tax package. Those are not the only changes. We are improving the system for families and individuals but we are also improving the integrity of the tax system. New Zealanders deserve a tax system that is fair—that means everyone paying their fair share—and that is why we are cracking down on tax avoidance with new measures to strengthen New Zealand's rules for taxing large multinationals. Andrew Bayly: What improvements is the Government making to improve the tax system for business? Hon JUDITH COLLINS: The list is very long but I will just give you a few examples. We are addressing black hole expenditure. So under proposals released as part of the Budget many business expenses currently written off as black hole expenditure will in fact become tax deductible. This Government recognises that employee share schemes are an important remuneration tool for start-ups. Just today I announced the release of an issues paper aimed at improving tax arrangements to make it easier for start-up companies to use employee share schemes. Our Business Transformation stage one implemented this February has made it far more simple for businesses to manage their tax interact with the Inland Revenue Department and meet their GST obligations. And—just wait there is more—next year from 1 April we will have a reformed provisional tax pay-as-you-go option which will mean that up to 110000 small businesses will pay the tax that they need to pay as they go every month.
11. Climate Change Policy—Collaboration with Other Countries and TargetsDr KENNEDY GRAHAM (Green) to the Minister for Climate Change IssuesClimate Change Policy—Collaboration with Other Countries and TargetsDr KENNEDY GRAHAM (Green): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I seek leave to have this question redirected to the Prime Minister to whom it was originally directed—Mr SPEAKER: Order! I was unaware that this was being transferred but I have ruled on many occasions that it is a Government's duty—in fact its responsibility—to determine who will answer the question. The question is down to the Minister for Climate Change Issues and that is whom it is to be addressed to.11. Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM (Green) to the Minister for Climate Change Issues: Does she agree that countries need to work together to combat dangerous climate change; if so will her Government convey that view to the President of the United States this week?Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Climate Change Issues): I do agree that countries need to work together. New Zealand wants all countries including the US to stay in the agreement. Our position on that has been clear and we do not plan on reiterating it to the President this week. Dr Kennedy Graham: Does the Minister agree that as Minister she has a duty of care to protect New Zealanders from dangerous anthropogenic climate change by achieving stabilisation of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere?Hon PAULA BENNETT: To the extent that I can.Dr Kennedy Graham: Given that the Paris Agreement makes it clear that a higher target from each party is necessary will she commit to setting a higher target to reduce New Zealand's emissions consistent with atmospheric stabilisation of gases?Hon PAULA BENNETT: No I believe that our target is ambitious and fair.Dr Kennedy Graham: Given that for a 1.5 degree Celsius warmer world global emissions must reduce by 25 percent between now and 2030 and New Zealand has higher per capita income in emissions than most other countries how can anything less than 25 percent off today's levels be regarded as a rational policy for New Zealand?Hon PAULA BENNETT: For New Zealanders to lower their emissions and reach the 2030 target there is going to have to be significant changes in our behaviours and the emissions that we are emitting. So in the context of that I believe that our target is incredibly ambitious and going to take significant change and will play a very small—in some respects it is kind of insignificant when you look at it in a global perspective but significant for what we can do here in New Zealand.