edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
8. Question No. 8—Prime MinisterCHLÖE SWARBRICK (Co-Leader—Green) to the Prime MinisterQuestion No. 8—Prime Minister8. CHLÖE SWARBRICK (Co-Leader—Green) to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions?Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON (Prime Minister): Yes in the context they were given.Chlöe Swarbrick: Does he stand by his answer to me at question time yesterday that what we are interested in is actually delivering on our climate … goals" and if so how does he intend to do that when his Government has axed the just transitions unit and emissions reductions jobs at the Ministry for Primary Industries?Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: We are deeply committed on delivering our net carbon zero 2050 goals and one of the ways we're going to do that is doubling the amount of renewable electricity in this country.Chlöe Swarbrick: How many climate change jobs is the Prime Minister comfortable with his Government axing?Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: I want to make sure that there are more jobs for people in the New Zealand economy and what we're doing is wanting to grow our economy. One of the ways we do that is by introducing fast-track consenting.Chlöe Swarbrick: Has his Government paused the appointment processes for the independent Climate Change Commission?Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: That's something that I'm not aware of.Chlöe Swarbrick: Point of order. I seek leave of the House to table an Official Information Act request response from the Minister of Climate Change.SPEAKER: Is it widely available?Chlöe Swarbrick: No.SPEAKER: Has it been released on the website of the organisation it came from?Chlöe Swarbrick: I'm not aware of that Mr Speaker.SPEAKER: The House will make its own decision. Leave is sought. Is there any objection? The member can table it.Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.Rt Hon Winston Peters: For the benefit of the country and the House and the member asking the question could the Prime Minister tell us: what on earth would a climate change job be?Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: I'm not sure. I'm really just interested in jobs. Chlöe Swarbrick: Can the Prime Minister guarantee that there will be no reductions in funding for the independent Climate Change Commission?Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: What I can guarantee is that this is a Government that is working incredibly hard to deliver on our climate change commitments. That is what we're doing. We're also a Government that's determined to grow our economy and deliver on our climate change commitments. We can do both those things at the same time.Chlöe Swarbrick: So is the Prime Minister there saying that he cannot or he will not commit to reductions in spending for the independent Climate Change Commission?Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: What we're interested in is making sure that spending is delivering on lowering our emissions and spending is delivering a growing economy. That's what our Government's fixated on."
7. Question No. 7—TransportGRANT McCALLUM (National—Northland) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 7—Transport7. GRANT McCALLUM (National—Northland) to the Minister of Transport: What recent reports has he seen on the Brynderwyn Hills?Hon SIMEON BROWN (Minister of Transport): Well good news for Northland. State Highway 1 across the Brynderwyns will open tonight until 2 April for the Easter weekend with work currently under way to ensure the resilience of this critical route being paused to allow holidaymakers to travel north. As Kiwis prepare their travel plans for Easter the coalition Government is encouraging New Zealanders to support visit and explore Northland as the region is open for business.Grant McCallum: Why is this work happening on the Brynderwyns?Hon SIMEON BROWN: Well weather events last year caused severe under and over slips on State Highway 1 at the Brynderwyn Hills. The recovery works NZTA is undertaking will increase the resilience out of this critical route to ensure that it is able to withstand future weather events. But the reality is this work will only buy a certain period of time and resilience and long-term planning is also needed hence why the coalition Government has listed the alternative Brynderwyns as a road of national significance in the Government policy statement.Grant McCallum: How is this work progressing?Hon SIMEON BROWN: Well I was up there yesterday with the good member of Parliament for Northland and seeing excellent progress has been made. Already 113000 cubic metres of dirt has been moved of the 145000 cubes which need to be moved and there is more work to be done. It will be open over Easter and completed in May. This is great progress.Grant McCallum: What will the reopening mean for local businesses and residents?Hon SIMEON BROWN: Well the temporary opening over Easter will mean that people travelling to and from Northland will be able to use the Brynderwyns without having to use the alternative route. This is great news for the Northland economy but also at the same time the temporary closure has allowed this work to be done at pace so that this important State highway can be brought back to a more resilient standard.
5. Question No. 5—HealthDr CARLOS CHEUNG (National—Mt Roskill) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 5—Health5. Dr CARLOS CHEUNG (National—Mt Roskill) to the Minister of Health: What recent announcements has the Government made about assisting New Zealanders who need to travel to receive health treatment?Hon Dr SHANE RETI (Minister of Health): Thank you Mr Speaker. Yesterday the coalition Government announced an $18 million boost for New Zealanders who have to travel for health treatment. These changes are long overdue for the national travel assistance (NTA) scheme with its last increase to mileage and accommodation rates back in 2009. During this time the scheme has been plagued by bureaucratic claiming processes and local variations that have seen families who couldn't afford the upfront costs of treatment having to delay their treatment or choose less-effective options. This needed addressing and this boost will help to remove those barriers.Dr Carlos Cheung: Why was it a priority to boost funding for this scheme?Hon Dr SHANE RETI: New Zealanders have endured a prolonged cost of living crisis making it more difficult for those who need to travel for health treatment. We know that the NTA provides critical financial assistance for those who need to travel for treatments relating to cancer renal dialysis diagnostics and other complex care that can't be provided locally. It is important that we support this group of New Zealanders with increased assistance during their time of need.Dr Carlos Cheung: What changes to the scheme will New Zealanders see?Hon Dr SHANE RETI: Those who claim the NTA will see significant changes. This boost allows for increased mileage and accommodation rates easier prepayment and claiming options changes to eligibility in order to better target those in need and better promotion and awareness of the scheme. We expect that around 4500 extra New Zealanders will benefit from this boost.Dr Carlos Cheung: How will this announcement ease cost of living challenges for those who need to travel for treatment?Hon Dr SHANE RETI: This boost will see the mileage rates rise from 28c to 34c a kilometre and the nightly accommodation rate change from $100 to $140 a night. More flexible payment options including prepayment and the ability to do more online will also be piloted and phased in. While some districts offer prepayment options most whānau currently need to fill out paper-based forms to seek reimbursement. For many this has been a challenge. We will support them with this boost.
2. Question No. 2—FinanceRIMA NAKHLE (National—Takanini) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 2—Finance2. RIMA NAKHLE (National—Takanini) to the Minister of Finance: What recent announcements has she made on the Budget? Hon NICOLA WILLIS (Minister of Finance): Earlier today I released the Budget Policy Statement 2024. The Public Finance Act requires such a statement to be presented to the House each year. It contains the goals and objectives that will guide the Government's decisions in the forthcoming Budget and it sets out the Government's short-term fiscal intentions and long-term fiscal objectives. And yes I can confirm that the operating allowance will be less than that left to us in the half-year update. Rima Nakhle: What will be in this year's Budget? Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Members will have to wait until Budget day—30 May—and I'm so glad that they're anticipating so eagerly to see the details of this year's Budget. But in terms of the broad parameters—Hon David Parker: You asked that question yourself—it wasn't us. Hon NICOLA WILLIS: —I can tell members that there will be personal income tax relief in the Budget. This tax relief—and Mr Parker will be pleased to hear this—will be funded from within the operating allowance and the operating allowance will be less than the $3.5 billion allowance indicated in the half-year update. This means the Government will not be borrowing extra to pay for tax relief and it means tax relief will not be adding to inflationary pressures. Rima Nakhle: What else will be in this year's Budget? Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Tax relief is just one part of Budget 2024. The Budget will also have a strong focus on public services. Spending on front-line services will be reprioritised despite some people practically fainting at the thought that the Government could do things differently and more effectively and the Budget will deliver on Government policy commitments including many of those in the coalition agreements. Rima Nakhle: What are the Government's fiscal intentions and objectives? Hon NICOLA WILLIS: As set out in the Budget Policy Statement the Government's fiscal strategy is to return to surplus get debt going down rather than going up as it has been over the last five years—and as some members opposite want to continue to see it do—and it will reduce Government spending as a proportion of the overall economy. The legacy we inherited of elevated lazy spending will take several Budgets to fix but the first steps will be taken in Budget 2024.
Taxation (Annual Rates 2023-24 Multinational Tax and Remedial Matters) Bill — In Committee—Part 4
Taxation (Annual Rates 2023-24 Multinational Tax and Remedial Matters) Bill — In Committee—Clauses 1 and 2
Abel SteveSTEVE ABEL (Green): Thank you Mr Speaker. Yes I mean there's not much more to say about this bill except it simply serves the purpose—as well described by the Minister and my colleague Jo Luxton from Labour—of fixing and making minor amendments to multiple Acts therefore lifting administrative burden and reducing the risk of legislative failure. I particularly have been troubled for many years—as the Minister pointed out—by that comma and I'm glad to see it going along with a lot of other minor things that are important for making functional legislation. This is a think that we will support—that is the Green Party obviously—and we hope that the Minister finds it a productive process to be sending this legislation to the select committee and that that is what is done with future legislation by this Government to the relevant select committees. We support the legislation. Thank you Mr Speaker.
Redmayne SuzeSUZE REDMAYNE (National—Rangitīkei): As a Government we are laser-focused on increasing productivity and growing the economy. We've proven over the last 119 days that as a Government we are relentlessly focused on outcomes. Over-regulation is a burden on our economy and a barrier to productivity. Reducing regulatory burden and cutting red tape is a priority for this Government and this bill delivers just that. Getting Wellington out of farming and allowing our farmers to get back to doing what they do best—farm—is a priority too.I am a proud farmer from Turakina in the mighty Rangitīkei and I can tell you that farming today is very much about being effective and efficient in accordance with best practice. The objective of this omnibus bill is to improve our regulatory systems so they too are effective efficient in accordance with best practice. This bill will benefit farms and businesses in our primary industries and in the wider economy. Industry wants these changes and they are waiting. This bill simply serves to update and repair legislation in line with its original intent and function. And I had another bit of paper!Let me give you an example: In Biosecurity Control Areas"—[Interruption]. You need to listen to this: "In Biosecurity Control Areas outer clothing is regularly inspected for biosecurity goods" and I quote "([like] observing for fruit-shaped bulges)"—you can't make this stuff up. "[T]his is [currently] done under … implied powers in section 35(7)" of the Biosecurity Act 1993. "The power for inspectors to check outer clothing … is implied rather than explicit." which creates uncertainty around the legality of this practice. "MPI considers that the practice needs to continue without legal uncertainty."Like all of the other changes detailed in this bill the power to check outer clothing at the border was assumed in the original policy intent. This change simply makes the original policy intent explicit in legislation. It's a simple change that will provide greater protection for passengers and inspectors and it will reduce biosecurity risk.While the impact of each amendment is small in isolation collectively they will remove administrative burden reduce the risk of localised legislative failure and make it easier for businesses to operate right across the systems that the Ministry for Primary Industries is responsible for. This Government is focused on growing the economy and getting rid of red tape and backing our farmers and our primary industry businesses to succeed and to get ahead is a huge part of that. I am proud to commend the bill to the House."
Brooking RachelHon RACHEL BROOKING (Labour—Dunedin): Thank you Mr Speaker for the opportunity to speak on this Regulatory Systems (Primary Industries) Amendment Bill and I've got it here. I just want to show everyone Damien O'Connor's name on it because of course it is a fine piece of work that the previous Government did to do all of this laser-focused stuff that everybody's been talking about today and I commend all those members for their deep interest in these pieces of legislation. I also note the importance of food safety and we've heard from the Minister for Food Safety about the importance of our treaty with Australia. So it's good that we're honouring the treaty there Minister Hoggard.So with that I'm very pleased that this bill is going to the select committee. It's going to the select committee and it's going to have a good discussion at the select committee and I know that many of the new members in this House won't actually know what it's like to be speaking on a bill that's going to select committee in its first reading. And then they're going to have the benefit of hearing submissions from the public. Such a good thing to do. And so on that happy note I'm going to commend this bill to the House.
Webb DuncanHon Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central): Kia ora Mr Speaker. That member for Waitaki I believe should have a job in the Parliamentary Counsel Office because his obsession with punctuation giving us a steer on wandering cattle. I thought it was an outstanding speech—Miles Anderson: We're all about detail over here.Hon Dr DUNCAN WEBB: You are all about detail. You know here we are. It's getting a wee bit late; you're getting a bit fractious over there. This is a classic tidy-up bill. I do admire the Parliamentary Counsel Office for going through such an insidious task and repealing the hop industry restructuring Act of 2003 which did you know doesn't have a portfolio? There you go. And as for the wool board art collection I think it's being fleeced. And that is where we've got to tonight with the Government filibustering its own bill because they haven't got enough work up their sleeve. So I'll leave them to it. Good bill—we'll support it. Good legislative stewardship—let's get on with some proper law.
Williams ArenaARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa): Thank you Mr Speaker for the opportunity to take a short call on the Regulatory Systems (Primary Industries) Amendment Bill. This bill as we have heard from many speakers around the House contains a number of sensible changes. You've heard it described by my colleague the Hon Jo Luxton as a housekeeping bill about improving our regulatory systems and ensuring that those decisions which appropriately sit in primary legislation do so and that this House has taken the time to make sure that we are working through the issues which are included in this bill.May I acknowledge also the work of the former Minister of fisheries the Hon Rachel Brooking for her contribution to this bill. And with that I commend it to the House.
Brownlee GerryPETITIONS PAPERS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: There have been no petitions presented.Papers have been delivered.CLERK: 2022-23 annual reports of the Government Communications Security Bureau and the New Zealand Security Intelligence Servicereport of the activities of the Intelligence and Security Committee in 2023 Budget Policy Statement 27 March 2024.SPEAKER: Those papers are published under the authority of the House. Select committee reports have been delivered for presentation.CLERK:Reports of the Finance and Expenditure Committee on 2022-23 annual reviews ofthe Kiwi Group Capital LimitedGuardians of New Zealand SuperannuationNew Zealand Productivity CommissionEarthquake Commission andSouthern Response Earthquake Services Limited and onthe financial statements of New Zealand for the year ending 30 June 2023 and the 2022-23 annual review of the Treasuryreports of the Health Committee onthe 2022-23 annual review of the Ministry of Healthon the 2022-23 annual reviews of the Māori Health Authority – Te Aka Whai Orathe New Zealand Blood and Organ Service andthe Pharmaceutical Management Agencythe report of the Intelligence and Security Committee on the 2022-23 annual reviews of the Government Communications Security Bureau and the New Zealand Security Intelligence Servicereport of the Māori Affairs Committee on the Ngāti Paoa Claims Settlement Bill.SPEAKER: The bill is set down for second reading. The report on the financial statements is set down for consideration.Bills have not been presented.
Speaker's rulings — Oral Questions—Answers
Brownlee GerrySPEAKER'S RULINGSOral questions—AnswersSPEAKER: Members I have been concerned at the number of answers from Ministers being used to attack other parties in the House. This is not permitted by Standing Orders and Speakers' rulings—Standing Orders 205(4) 205(5) and 181(3). Of course Ministers can comment on activities of the previous Government which they have had to confront while in Government—Speaker's ruling 180/4—but that is not an invitation to make attacks on members of the Opposition. I don't want to have to intervene but I will do so if the Standing Orders continue to be breached. Having said that questions with a partisan tone can expect a political answer and there is no point in appealing to the Speaker in those situations—Speakers' ruling 187/1. Questions that ask a Minister how they would respond to a comment from a member of the public fall into this category. Questions that invite comparison with policies of a previous Government also invite Ministers to comment in critical terms. Question time works best when members ask Ministers straight questions. When that happens members should expect a straight answer and the Speaker can assist them in getting one.
Tuiono TeanauWEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 2024The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSTEANAU TUIONO (Assistant Speaker): E te Atua kaha rawa ka tuku whakamoemiti atu mātou mō ngā karakia kua waihotia mai ki runga i a mātou. Ka waiho i ō mātou pānga whaiaro katoa ki te taha. Ka mihi mātou ki te Kīngi me te inoi atu mō te ārahitanga i roto i ō mātou whakaaroarohanga kia mōhio ai kia whakaiti ai tā mātou whakahaere i ngā take o te Whare nei mō te oranga te maungārongo me te aroha o Aotearoa. Āmene.[Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests we acknowledge the King and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom and humility for the welfare peace and compassion of New Zealand. Amen.]
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That debate on this question now close.Ayes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Noes 55New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te Pāti Māori 6.Motion agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): The question is that clause 1 stand part.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 1 be agreed to.Ayes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Noes 55New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te Pāti Māori 6.Clause 1 agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): The question is that the Minister's amendments to clause 2 set out on Amendment Paper 20 be agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to.Ayes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Noes 55New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te Pāti Māori 6.Amendments agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): The question is that clause 2 as amended stand part.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 2 as amended be agreed toAyes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Noes 55New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te Pāti Māori 6.Clause 2 as amended agreed to.Bill to be reported with amendment.
Kuriger Barbara; Pugh MaureenHouse resumed.CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): Madam Speaker the committee has considered the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24 Multinational Tax and Remedial Matters) Bill and reports it with amendment. I move That the report be adopted.Motion agreed to.Report adopted.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Maureen Pugh): In accordance with the determination of the Business Committee this bill is set down for third reading immediately.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That debate on this question now close. Ayes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Noes 55New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te Pāti Māori 6.Motion agreed to.CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): The question is that the Minister's amendments to Part 4 set out on Amendment Paper 20 be agreed to. A party vote was called for on the question That the amendments be agreed to. Ayes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Noes 55New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te Pāti Māori 6.Amendments agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That Part 4 as amended be agreed to. Ayes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Noes 55New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te Pāti Māori 6.Part 4 as amended agreed to.New Schedule 1A Definitions repealedCHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): We now come to new Schedule 1A—the vote on—and there is no debate. The question is that the Minister's amendment to insert Schedule 1A as set out on Amendment Paper 20 be agreed to. A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to. Ayes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Noes 55New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te Pāti Māori 6.New Schedule 1A agreed to.Schedule 1CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): Schedule 1—also no debate. The question is that Schedule 1 stand part. A party vote was called for on the question That Schedule 1 be agreed to. Ayes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Noes 55New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te Pāti Māori 6.Schedule 1 agreed to.New Schedule 1B New schedule 39 inserted into Income Tax Act 2007CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): New Schedule 1B—no debate. The question is that the Minister's amendment to insert Schedule 1B as set out on Amendment Paper 20 be agreed to. A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to. Ayes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Noes 55New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te Pāti Māori 6.New Schedule 1B agreed to.New Schedule 1C Consequential amendments related to bright-line testCHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): New Schedule 1C—no debate. The question is that the Minister's amendment to insert Schedule 1C as set out on Amendment Paper 20 be agreed to. A party vote was called for on the question That the amendment be agreed to. Ayes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Noes 55New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te Pāti Māori 6.New Schedule 1C agreed to.Schedule 2CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): We now have Schedule 2—no debate. The question is that Schedule 2 stand part. A party vote was called for on the question That Schedule 2 be agreed to. Ayes 68New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.Noes 55New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te Pāti Māori 6.Schedule 2 agreed to.
Parker DavidHon DAVID PARKER (Labour): Thank you Madam Chair. I want to develop the issue that was raised by the prior Labour Party speaker Arena Williams. Can the Minister confirm that in respect of these revisions to interest deductibility the full nominal amount of an interest payment is going to be deductible not just the real interest component. In other words the inflationary compensation that is paid by a borrower to a lender will once again be tax deductible to the landlord. Because if that is correct then as Arena Williams just said this legislation should be titled The Bill Which Reduces the Proportion of First-home Buyers in the Market".It is absolutely clear that when that change was made by the prior Government the marginal price paid for existing homes moved from being paid by landlords leveraging their property to purchase yet another property to add to their property portfolio and moved instead to first-home buyers. Prior to the change the proportion of homes being sold to landlords kept increasing; after the change instantly—instantly—the economics changed because the landlords could no longer deduct all of their interest payments—Arena Williams: That's right—within one quarter.Hon DAVID PARKER: Within one quarter it had changed. Now there is a proper argument as to whether—Tim Costley: What happened to rents?Hon DAVID PARKER: Rents actually did not go up by further than inflation. That's an interesting question from the Government member because Nicola Willis keeps standing up in this House and saying rents went up. Well they did but they actually didn't go up by more than inflation.CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): OK so we're on title and commencement so can we come back to the bill thank you.Hon DAVID PARKER: So the real interest rates now—the landlord will get a deduction for more than their real costs and as a consequence this bill should be renamed. It is substantially different from the bill as introduced.Indeed the Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023-24 Multinational Tax and Remedial Matters) Bill—the Amendment Paper from the Minister or the department—runs to 55 pages long. It is a substantially different bill to that which was introduced and its title should reflect that particularly given that these issues that have been introduced by way of amendment late in the piece have not gone through select committee. So people who are accessing this statute through the legislation website should have a signal as to what the true effect of this bill now is which is to change the proportion of buyers in the residential property market increasing the number of landlords at the cost of first-home buyers who just want one House to live in. They don't want a hundred houses a portfolio of a number of properties; they want just one.I invite the Minister to confirm that in fact the excessive deduction of interest will be restored here and I want to hear how he can justify economically landlords being able to deduct the full nominal amount of interest rather than just the real amount of interest which doesn't include inflation."
Edmonds BarbaraHon BARBARA EDMONDS (Labour—Mana): Thank you Madam Chair. My question is around the effective date for the proposed amendments for the offshore gambling profits that arise on or after 1 July 2024. So those are the particular clauses around the application date or the effective date of those changes.During one of the questions that one of the members—the Hon Jan Tinetti—had asked the Minister was around the regulatory framework particularly around the harm minimisation being set up before this tax came into application which is 1 July 2024. And the regulatory impact statement does make reference to offshore gambling providers about their ability to be able to be ready in time to collect those taxes by 1 July 2024. It does question it. Officials do say that the probability is low because of the alignment with the GST which is already a current tax. But my question is: is the Minister aware that in the situation where the regulatory framework has not been set up before such taxes have been introduced other OECD countries have shown that actually that very small gap between the regulatory framework being set up and the implementation of the new tax has shown that there's been a lot of black-market operations in between that very small gap. So I just want to check in with the Minister that the 1 July 2024 date is the date that the advice that officials have given in relation to taking into account any of the lessons from the OECD about when they introduced the regulatory framework as well as introducing a new tax on offshore gaming providers.
Rutherford Tom; Kuriger BarbaraTOM RUTHERFORD (National—Bay of Plenty): I move That debate on this question now close.CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): I will take a call from the Hon Barbara Edmonds but I want this to be very close to title and commencement please.
Kuriger Barbara; Russell DeborahClauses 1 and 2CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): Members we now come to our final debate — clauses 1 and 2. This is the debate on clauses 1 and 2 Title" and "Commencement".Hon Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour): I wish to speak to some issues around the commencement dates. These are complicated clauses in tax bills. Normally a commencement date is a pretty short thing but in a tax bill we have a whole page of commencement dates for various sections. Actually there are two pages. And then in the Amendment Paper there's another series of commencement dates.It's pretty hard and pretty dense reading. I don't want to go through and debate every single commencement date. That would be an exercise in futility. But I do just want to bring up one issue in respect of the global anti-base erosion rules. Now I might have missed it somewhere. I can't find where the commencement dates are. So all the global anti-base erosion rules are contained within new section HP. I've scanned through the commencement date clauses and I've scanned through the commencement date clauses in the Amendment Paper as well and I can't find them.Now this is quite important and the reason is that in the legislation and the policy work as originally done around these global anti-base erosion rules the time when these rules were going to be adopted in New Zealand when we were going to put them in place—remember they are the rules that are sitting on the OECD website—was going to be when a critical mass of countries was going to be adopting them. So we needed a critical mass of countries to adopt an income inclusion rule and a critical mass of countries to adopt an under-taxed profits rule. So that's a pretty open-ended statement—what is meant by "a critical mass of countries". Now that's clearly a policy issue and something that the Minister will make a decision on as to whenever a critical mass has been achieved. But we heard advice I think that the critical mass had been achieved. So I was looking for some commencement dates.So I just wonder if the Minister could speak to that in terms of what counts as a critical mass of countries and in particular what other countries have actually adopted these rules—obviously there's a critical mass; it's not just the number of countries but it's also which countries have adopted the rules—but then also where those particular commencement dates are sitting in the bill. As I said I did look for it but I couldn't find it and I'm sure the officials will be able to tell the Minister rather more quickly than either he or I could find it if we looked for it ourselves. So if the Minister could just address that: where to find the point but also that issue around the critical mass."
Leary IngridINGRID LEARY (Labour—Taieri): Thank you Madam Chair. If the member seated over there doesn't wish to close the debate I would be prepared to yield because he is obviously very interested in the comments made by my colleague and there was some back and forth. So I am very happy to yield and if I may come back to my call provided he doesn't close down the debate.
O'Connor Greg; Watts SimonPart 4 Amendments to other enactments and revocationsCHAIRPERSON (Greg O'Connor): Members we come now to Part 4. This is debate on clauses 78 to 92—amendments to other enactments and revocations—and Schedule 2. The question is that Part 4 stand part. Hon SIMON WATTS (Minister of Revenue): Thank you very much Mr Chair. Just in terms of a little bit of the context for this part it does include a number of key amendments and changes and we'll just work our way through some of those of context before we get into some questions. Obviously the changes in regards to closing the loophole of an offshore gambling duty are included with this in this provision. The coalition Government has been very clear that there is a loophole in which offshore gambling entities gain benefit and we're looking to close that to level the playing field through this aspect of the legislation. There are also some changes that are carried forward in regards to the provision of paid parental leave in regards to the KiwiSaver Act. There is a significant benefit for those on parental leave and their ability to be able to get the provision of that KiwiSaver aspect. Particularly we're conscious of the retirement gap and this will no doubt support closing some of that. There are a number of other aspects and changes including the platform economy and GST components on that—again all sensible aspects of policy that were clearly articulated leading into the election process.
McAnulty Kieran; Watts SimonHon KIERAN McANULTY (Labour): Thank you very much and I appreciate the opportunity to have a back and forth. It's not that common but I think it does help the House in understanding the bill at the committee stage here. I am after a clarification from the Minister of Revenue there. He indicated that at some point there's a potential for turnover to go from offshore to onshore operators. Could the Minister please clarify what he meant by that? Does he mean the proposed duty or does he mean a possible regulatory framework that has been alluded to but not been put in place? Is it the duty or the possible framework that would lead potentially to onshore operators increasing turnover?Hon SIMON WATTS (Minister of Revenue): Yeah the point of clarification to the member is that the introduction of the increased taxes on the offshore gambling operators will in effect potentially make the New Zealand operators more competitive in regards to levelling of that playing field. As a result of that we may expect to see some movement of gambling activity from those individuals that deal with offshore entities to domestic entities because of that levelling up and the fact that the implication of the gaming duty on offshore operators in effect will in part allow domestic operators to be more competitive.
Watts Simon; O'Connor GregHon SIMON WATTS (Minister of Revenue): Thank you very much. Look this is an important aspect of the legislation. It obviously has wide-ranging implications and consequences and I'll want to use the time to walk through a couple of the aspects. The first aspect which is important to note is that the select committee did not recommend any changes in regards to this amendment. They did consider this as part of their due process. And so while I acknowledge the member wasn't on that committee other members in this House were and that was considered. So the current position in regards to the ability to have an exemption basically is not allowed. There is a four year – time barred period around reassessment and outside of that there is inability to be able to grant an exemption in regards to liable parents for this period. The amendment that is being proposed here is to ensure that there is ability to get an exemption outside of that four year – time barred period and this is consistent with what the member was referring to with the victims of sexual offences exemption as well. This is an amendment which is taxpayer friendly. This drives a degree of consistency. The member is right to highlight the retrospective element of this but in this area and in these circumstances we're comfortable that the balance is in the right space in regards to providing the exemptions that are necessary for people to be able to ensure that they meet their obligations under the law.CHAIRPERSON (Greg O'Connor): I just will indicate to members though that the question of offshore gambling—any more speakers on that should really point out to any new material without bringing up in relation to that and of course there is other new material to be considered.
Applications for Urgent Debates
Brownlee GerryAPPLICATIONS FOR URGENT DEBATESIsrael-Hamas Ceasefire—United Nations Security Council ResolutionSPEAKER: Members I have received applications for an urgent debate. I have received a letter from Teanau Tuiono seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 a resolution of the United Nations Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages. For there to be an urgent debate there must be administrative or ministerial responsibility for the case of recent occurrence; Speaker's ruling 2164. There is no ministerial or administrative responsibility for a resolution of the United Nations. The Government cannot answer to the House about a body for which it is not responsible. The application is therefore declined. Gaza Crisis—Government ResponseI've also received a letter from Rt Hon Chris Hipkins seeking to debate the Government's response to the Gaza crisis. An urgent debate is a way of holding the Government to account for its actions. The application does not provide all the authentication for any recent Government action but it is a matter that has had Government action reported on. This is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. The situation in Gaza warrants New Zealanders being aware of the views of this House. I therefore call on the Rt Hon Chris Hipkins to move that the House take note of a matter of public importance immediately at the conclusion of oral questions.
Visitors — Tokelau—Head of Government
Brownlee GerryVISITORSTokelau—Head of GovernmentSPEAKER: I'm sure that members would wish to welcome Alapati Tavite head of the Government of Tokelau and his accompanying delegation who are present in the gallery.
Brownlee GerryPAPERS PETITIONS SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF BILLSSPEAKER: We come now to petitions.CLERK: Petition of Barnaby Todd requesting that the House require schools to review rules and revise if necessary to avoid students smoking or vaping.SPEAKER: Ministers have delivered papers.CLERK:2022/23 annual reports of:Kiwi Group Capital Limited and SubsidiariesNew Zealand Railways CorporationAir New Zealand LimitedTe Aratuku Whakaata Irirangi Māori Māori Television ServiceGovernment response to a report of Petitions Committee on the Petition of Andrew Wilson.SPEAKER: Those papers are published under the authority of the House. Select committee reports have been delivered for presentation.CLERK:Report of the Environment Committee on the 2022/23 Annual review of the Environmental Protection AuthorityReports of the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the 2022/23 annual reviews of the Inland Revenue Department and of the Reserve Bank of New ZealandReports of the Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Committee on the 2022/23 Annual reviews of the New Zealand Antarctic Institute and of the New Zealand Customs Service and the Border Executive BoardReports of the Health Committee on the 2022/23 annual reviews of the Health and Disability Commissioner and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission and of the Cancer Control Agency the Health Quality and Safety Commission and Health Research Council of New ZealandReports of the Justice Committee on the 2022/23 annual review of the New Zealand Police and the annual review of the Public Trust and the Child Protection (Child Sex Offender Government Agency Registration) (Overseas Travel Reporting) Amendment BillReports of the Māori Affairs Committee on the Ngāti Tara Tokanui Claims Settlement Bill and on the petition of Seann PauriniReports of the Petitions Committee on the petition of Free Fares NZ and the petition of Hāpai Te HauoraReport of the Primary Production Committee on 2022/23 annual review of Animal Control Products LimitedReport of the Social Services and Community Committee on the 2022/23 annual review of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples.SPEAKER: Those bills are set down for second reading. There are no bills for introduction.
Swearing in of Member — Glen Thomas Bennett
Bennett GlenMEMBERS SWORNGLEN BENNETT (Labour): Ko ahau ko Glen Thomas Bennett e oati ana ka noho pūmau taku pono ki a Kīngi Tiāre te Tuatoru me tōna kāhui whakaheke e ai ki te ture. Ko te Atua nei hoki taku pou.[I Glen Thomas Bennett swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III His heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.]
Election of Member — Glen Thomas Bennett
Brownlee GerryLIST MEMBER ELECTEDNew Zealand Labour—Glen Thomas BennettSPEAKER: Members I have received from the Electoral Commission a return declaring Glen Thomas Bennett to be elected a member of Parliament to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of the Hon Grant Robertson from his list seat. I understand that Glen Bennett is present and wishes to make an affirmation. Would he approach the Chair?
Brownlee GerryTUESDAY 26 MARCH 2024The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.KARAKIA/PRAYERSSPEAKER: Almighty God we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests we acknowledge the King and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom justice mercy and humility for the welfare and peace of New Zealand. Amen.
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