edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Hipango HareteHARETE HIPANGO (National—Whanganui): Kia ora. Like my colleague Tim Van De Molen who has just addressed the House I too acknowledge the Hon Jacqui Dean in terms of the enormity and the immensity of the work and effort that's been placed into this bill and furthermore the fact that it's been progressed by the now Government recognising again those immense efforts that have been put before the House whilst in service previously as the Government.I'm standing to speak on something that is familiar to me personally as I'm sure it is to many people—not only those here in the House but those who may be listening from afar as an audience to this session this evening. Some of us may have been burnt in terms of the financial advice that we previously received and as a result we have suffered some loss. So it is pleasing to be able to stand to speak on and address and recognise within the proposed legislation the significance and importance that's placed in terms of professional standards to financial advisers.Just glancing at the bill—specifically clause 27 inserting new subpart 5A which includes new sections 431G through to 431Q is around the duties on persons giving regulated financial advice the profession that I come from and for those of us who as members of the House also come from professions there are those standards of professional conduct. So it's reassuring to see that this is being detailed for the first time within this proposed legislation.Noting that this is what's called an omnibus bill—in other words that it is a piece of legislation that's incorporating and addressing a number of amendments from a multitude of other pieces of law—those amendments as has been stated by previous speakers in the House today are to ensure that the conduct and client care obligations of financial service providers and the regulation of financial markets remain fit for purpose whilst also addressing the misuse of the Financial Service Providers Register by offshore entities.I note as we are advancing into the evening towards the end of the session for the day that standing to speak as the last speaker for the Opposition this evening can at times leave much less substantive material to address the House with given the bill has been covered in quite some detail. Therefore something lawyers are well known for in terms of lack of brevity—in this instance I'm somewhat obliged to dispel the myth that is here and succinctly say my colleagues and the members of the Government have well addressed this matter before the House. And in conclusion I commend this bill in its first reading. Kia ora.
van de Molen TimTIM VAN DE MOLEN (National—Waikato): Thank you Mr Assistant Speaker. It's a pleasure to rise and talk about this piece of legislation the Financial Services Legislation Amendment Bill. I'd like to congratulate the former Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs the Hon Jacqui Dean for progressing this legislation and of course now the Hon Kris Faafoi for continuing with that.Having spent a number of years in the banking sector I can certainly appreciate that there is a lot of diversity and a very broad spectrum in terms of financial literacy amongst the wider public—from those who are very astute and fully understand the financial implications of decisions they're making through to those whose skills perhaps lie in other areas. From what I've seen so far in this role perhaps that's something the new Government could look to seek some additional advice on as well with their financial decision making—something I'm sure the former Government and us on this side of the House would be more than happy to accommodate them with.There are a number of terms in here that are advanced and change through this. Authorised financial adviser" "registered financial adviser" and "qualifying financial entity" have been substituted with the more consumer friendly terms "financial adviser" and "nominated representative"—a couple of important amendments to make because this is really focusing around those people at the grassroots level who need this support and advice.The other key one that I would like to touch on though is the robo-advice. Now this one in particular I find very really exciting. Coming from the Waikato this will be a really important opportunity for us. It's a very strong rural area and often it can be more challenging for people to travel and gain access to financial advisers especially now that the Government is deciding not to progress with the strong roading plan that we had in the Waikato to provide greater connectivity within our region to those key centres to help enhance the growth opportunity within the broader Waikato.So although that's disappointing my constituents within the Waikato can have confidence that they will still be able to access advice through the new robo-advice options—in particular because of the strong ultra-fast broadband and rural broadband initiatives announced by the former Government.So it's great to see a few amendments being made in this financial space to help those that need it most and I look forward to watching this bill progress through the House. Thank you."
Hughes GarethGARETH HUGHES (Green): Kia ora Mr Assistant Speaker. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou kia ora. Look I rise to support this legislation. We want to see that all New Zealanders get access to high-quality reliable financial advice.We'd put it that this legislation is overdue. There were two reviews the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment conducted in 2008 and 2016. We're glad to see this legislation introduced to the House. We need to make sure that the public interest is protected with a group of advisers who are giving significant advice to people. We've seen some high-profile examples over the last 10 years where people have lost a huge amount of money because of situations like these.One area in particular I'm quite interested in exploring in the select committee process is the provision of digital advice—or what's called robo-advice in some of the briefing documents. Exploring that in detail I think is going to be quite important.I want to give a little story. My wife used to work in book publishing and now works in the IT computer software development sector in Wellington. An area she's really focused on in the last year is chatbots which is not full artificial intelligence but building algorithms so that the bot can communicate with the person communicating with it. You can see an example with financial services management where it's cheaper to basically build an algorithm to have it learn from some of the conversations it's been having than employing people as financial service advisers. Now how that applies to a consumer who maybe gets faulty advice is going to be critically important. Who's the responsible party that can be held liable if bad advice is given? Is it the code writer? Is it the people who have been monitoring and updating the algorithm? Is it the agency that owns the algorithm—huge questions that we're looking forward to exploring in the select committee.We do question how moving information disclosure requirements from legislation into regulation is going to work in practice. Is that the appropriate balance that has been struck? But all in all this is a positive step forward. We welcome the introduction to the House. We look forward to the select committee process and submissions and improving the legislation in that forum if need be. Thank you Mr Assistant Speaker.
Yule LawrenceLAWRENCE YULE (National—Tukituki): It gives me great pleasure to speak to the Financial Services Legislation Amendment Bill and I congratulate this Government on bringing it before this House in its first 100 days—noting of course that it is a National Party and former National Government piece of legislation.Members of this House it's actually easy to forget why this came here.Hon Member: This speech is easy to forget.LAWRENCE YULE: No it's easier to forget why we're here today. In the global financial crisis which was so well managed by this Government—the Government from this side I should say—a lot of people lost a lot of money. A lot of people were ripped off and so this legislation seeks to address that. Look at our banks. Our banks are very well run some of the best in the world and very few people lost money from the banking sector in New Zealand even in comparison to Australia. But the advice that's given in this space is actually not up to the standard that New Zealanders need or deserve and this bill seeks to address that. It's in my view tidy-up legislation and it should occur.As the Hon Chris Finlayson said there are plenty of examples particularly in the lower North Island of where people have lost millions: hard-earned savings; farms have been sold. They've gone to get good practical advice and they've been ripped off. That's not to say that all financial advisers are like that. This bill though tries to tidy up those people by bringing in some discipline and some accountability which is prevalent in most other professions. If you look at how lawyers operate if you look at how real estate people operate they all have a set of rules and regulations that protect the individual—the people that we represent—in transactions.And if you look at new section 431H in clause 27 it's particularly about the duty to meet standards of competence knowledge and skill. And then if you go on to subsequent new sections of the bill in clause 27 new sections 431ZF and 431ZG are about protecting people's money and property by ensuring that it's used through trust funds and other mechanisms. I commend that to this House because through no fault of their own many of our citizens that we represent have lost millions.I also commend this bill to the House because some of the rabo-advice" that might have appeared quite futuristic five years ago is now widely—Fletcher Tabuteau: Do you mean "rabo" or "robo"?LAWRENCE YULE: —robo-advice sorry—now widely used by many people. Many people now use the internet to find out all sorts of things and so this bill means that it's non-specific.I commend this bill to the select committee but I do want it to be made clear that there are a number of small operators that are worried about this bill so we need to find a balance with what is in this legislation without unnecessary compliance costs. I'm happy to support this bill going to the next stage. Thank you."
Bayly AndrewANDREW BAYLY (National—Hunua): Thank you Mr Assistant Speaker. It's a pleasure to be talking on this first reading of the Financial Services Legislation Amendment Bill. I just want to take the opportunity to congratulate the new Minister the Hon Kris Faafoi for taking over the portfolio of commerce. As my colleague the Hon Chris Finlayson noted this is a particularly important portfolio and I'm just glad that he can draw on his extensive commercial experience in framing up and promoting and driving through some of the essential commercial changes we need to see occur in New Zealand over the next few years.Just before I get into this key bill I just want to remind the last speaker Mr Michael Wood—who of course talked about the Hon Lianne Dalziel and her contribution to reforming the financial markets. I do note that she resigned and was succeeded by the Hon Simon Power. I think your sense of history is disproportionate to what has happened in terms of the contribution in terms of driving through reforms into this area of the market. I think the member should remind himself of what happened and some of the key changes that took place under the National Government.One of those of course was the formation of the Financial Markets Authority which came into play in 2011 and what a great job that was. Then we had the introduction of the Financial Markets Conduct Act in 2013. For those who haven't been involved in this sector as I have those changes brought about substantial improvement so that investors knew that they were getting the type of investment advice that they deserved. I have to say that more recently through the good work of my other colleague the Hon Paul Goldsmith—this change that this Government over here is seeking to adopt and blend as if it's their own is in fact not the case because the Hon Paul Goldsmith spent two long years working through the details that these guys are now trying to capture and understand. That's why we have such a good bill to talk about today. Then of course there was the Hon Jacqui Dean's contribution.So I am looking forward to being part of this debate working through the good things that this bill seeks to achieve which is making sure that investors get access to good quality investment advice.
Finlayson ChristopherHon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (National): The Opposition will certainly support this legislation and looks forward to it going to the select committee nominated by the Minister just as quickly as possible. When I congratulated Mr Faafoi on becoming the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs I said what an important portfolio it was—he's essentially Minister for commercial law—and that sometimes it hasn't had the emphasis that it deserves because it's a hugely important portfolio covering areas like competition law intellectual property law and areas like this.To hear a first reading speech and members talking about the legislation sounds all very interesting and somewhat dry and dusty but the reality of the matter is these provisions and this reform really do matter and that is why I am so pleased that the Minister is getting on with this legislation because it's critically important. I'll be looking at Part 1 very very carefully when the select committee begins its deliberations and in particular the new Subpart 5A which imposes duties on persons giving regulated financial advice and also the obligations on financial advisers for handling client money and client property.I heard what the Minister said about the small operators and not having undue compliance costs put upon them. I must say at the present time and subject of course to what submissions there'll be in the select committee I err on the side of greater regulation than less regulation because of what I have heard around this town and the lower North Island generally about the Ross Asset Management scandal. There was a man who stole millions and millions and millions of dollars from people—utterly wrecked their lives. Just a couple of days ago I heard about a farmer in the Rangitīkei who had put money—sold his farm put money—with Mr Ross. It's all gone and he's cleaning places in and around Feilding so he can put bread on the table. It all happened because this man was fundamentally utterly dishonest and corrupt and stole millions of dollars from good people and all around Wellington his actions have consequences today.So that is why what the Minister said is so important why it's so critically necessary to have these reforms and why I'll be looking very closely at them to make sure that people who do provide financial advice that people who do take the funds of innocent people—at the very least people get competent advice and aren't ripped off as they were by that dreadful man who is serving time in prison but frankly the consequences of his actions will be felt for ever by some people. He's simply ruined people's lives. So it's a very good piece of legislation. I commend the Minister for bringing it to the House at the earliest possible opportunity. I think the sooner the select committee gets on with it the better and wouldn't it be good if in a spirit of bipartisanship we just all shut up and put the bill to the select committee as quickly as possible.
Military Justice Legislation Amendment Bill — First Reading
Walker HamishHAMISH WALKER (National—Clutha-Southland): Firstly I'd like to start by congratulating the two Marks—the Hon Mark Mitchell and the Hon Ron Mark. It just shows what can actually happen—the positivity of this place—if we all work together.National supports this bill. This bill was introduced in August and involves significant improvements to the military justice system. One of the most important of these I believe is the incorporation into the military justice system of victims' rights under Part 3 of the Victims' Rights Act 2002. This will ensure that victims of specified offences have rights and protections in the military justice system that are basically the equivalent to those that they would receive in a civilian system.This bill also repeals a provision of the Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971 that places the onus of proof for defence of a specific charge on to the accused. This bill also amends some aspects of the procedure of the Court Martial of New Zealand and I believe these developments will only improve the military justice system.I just want to bring your attention to clause 4 which repeals section 3(2) of the Armed Forces Discipline Act. Section 3(2) is concerned with the onus of proof in circumstances where an accused who is charged with an offence seeks to establish as a defence any excuse exception exemption or qualification contained in the provision creating the offence. The repealing of section 3(2) means the onus of proof is on the prosecution although in some situations the accused may still have to raise an evidential foundation for the existence of the defence. I think this is the right choice and once again commend the two Marks—the Hon Mark Mitchell and the Minister Ron Mark for pushing this bill through.
Huo Raymond; Williams PotoRAYMOND HUO (Labour): This is a non-controversial piece of legislation. This bill is talking about fairness equity due process and a necessary update to our military justice system. The bill seeks to amend the Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971 the Court Martial Act 2007 and the Court Martial Appeals Act 1953. These elements will bring the military justice system closer in line with the broader criminal justice system including the enhancement of victims' rights.My learned colleague Dr Duncan Webb in his contribution gave a detailed analysis of the importance of the justice system especially in respect of criminal proceedings. The onus of proof for example is one of the important factors. The bill makes a significant change to the onus of proof within the military justice system. The provisions that place the onus of proof in relation to a defence to a charge on the accused will be repealed. The current situation is unfair and out of step with the criminal justice system and this amendment will rectify that.As a matter of principle the Government believes that the military justice system should grant to armed forces personnel the same rights enjoyed by civilians in the criminal justice system to the greatest extent possible. Between 2002 and 2006 during the fifth Labour Government the New Zealand Defence Force undertook a major review of the military justice system to increase both its robustness and its fairness and to begin to align it with the criminal justice system. Legislation implementing the results of this review came into force in 2009.I'd like to thank the Hon Gerry Brownlee and the Hon Mark Mitchell the previous Ministers of Defence who were in office across the time of the development of this bill from 2016 to 2017.The New Zealand Defence Force in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and the Chief Judge of the Court Martial of New Zealand and in consultation with the New Zealand Law Society and Victim Support Inc have identified further required changes to enhance transparency efficiency and consistency with the civilian criminal justice system.The bill makes legislative amendments in following four areas of the military justice system: victims' rights notice of judicial appointments court martial procedure and onus of proof.This is the first reading. I look forward to the submissions and the progress of this bill. Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Poto Williams): I call Hamish Walker—five minutes.
Hipango Harete; Williams PotoHARETE HIPANGO (National—Whanganui): Tēnā koe e Te Mana Whakawā. It's fortuitous that I take this call this afternoon and I acknowledge my colleague the former Minister of Defence the Hon Mark Mitchell in bringing the efforts and the work together for this bill which is now to be read for the first time.It's also fortuitous that I stand based on the experience that I've had working as a criminal lawyer a family lawyer and a mental health lawyer for a number of decades because there are relevant provisions that are addressed within this bill that align the military justice system with the entitlements of those persons who have fronted the civilian criminal justice system the mental health system and the Family Courts. We've heard the previous speaker Golriz Ghahraman speak specifically to a number of points and I just relate my experience and the association that I have with this legislation.The personal association that I have too is that my thoughts turn to my deceased brother Lieutenant Colonial Waata Hipango who was the commanding officer of the New Zealand Defence Force in Singapore and he was killed over there in 1999. I reflect because there were times that I know Waata spoke albeit briefly about his role as a senior officer in a court martial—hopefully not appearing before the courts martial system but as an officer who was dealing with some of the soldiers.So this bill brings that into line—as has been said by previous speakers—with the civilian justice system. I just referred to those three areas that I touched on in terms of family law practice and that aligned with my criminal law practice as well as appearing as defence counsel. Victims' rights—the significance and importance of victims is being addressed within this legislation. Having represented both victims and also the defendants—the accused—appearing before the courts I say that this legislation brings it into line with those who I've represented in the past.Mental health—we have talked about the courts martial procedure and the importance in terms of not only the onus of proof which we've heard about but the fitness to stand trial. In my days of representing many in the mental health system who appeared before the criminal courts the significance and importance of the criminal procedure for mentally impaired persons—this is now being recognised under this proposed bill.Finally before I conclude and commend this bill to the House I have touched on the victims' rights the mental health aspect of that and the onus of proof. The importance of that is now no longer resting with the accused but the onus is with the prosecution in bringing these matters.So in conclusion I commend this bill to the House and my thoughts turn to those many who have given active duty and service and to those who still do today. Kia ora.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Poto Williams): I call Raymond Huo. I understand this is a split call—5 minutes.
van de Molen TimTIM VAN DE MOLEN (National—Waikato): Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker. It's a pleasure to rise to talk about the Military Justice Legislation Amendment Bill. I would also like to commend the former Minister the Hon Mark Mitchell for bringing this bill forward initially in August and the present Minister of Defence the Hon Ron Mark for continuing with that.This is essentially an update to the system and we've heard a lot about some of those aspects within the system that need to be amended. Although not having appeared in front of the system—because I was always a very well-behaved soldier I did not have the opportunity to appear in front of it—I can certainly appreciate the need to update it.Really the key points that I want to touch on here are about enhancing victim rights. That's a big one especially given the service that the members of our Defence Force commit to their country. They absolutely should have comparable rights to civilians—civilian victims in particular. This is a great way to amend that and bring it into line.Also I appreciate the change to move to a system where they are innocent until proven guilty. This is another key aspect that aligns with the civilian system and it is well overdue quite frankly especially when looking at the ability to stand trial as well. Another aspect of that in particular is members of the Defence Force who may have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. This is an often unique situation that is encountered in the defence forces. It is not so prevalent in the civilian situation. So really we're looking at just bringing this more closely aligned to the civilian process and although there are clearly some unique situations that are not encountered in the civilian setting but are encountered in a military setting it's important to have a lot of similarities in that space.So I commend the bill to the House on that basis and I'd just like to finish by acknowledging of course the fantastic work done by members of the New Zealand Defence Force and members of other countries' defence forces who serve with our defence forces here and afield.
O'Connor SimonSIMON O'CONNOR (National—Tāmaki): I am pleased to take a call on this Military Justice Legislation Amendment Bill. Can I begin by acknowledging the men and women of our armed services for the roles that they undertake to protect and enhance the Realm. Can I acknowledge too the Minister of Defence obviously in his new role and for being the Minister to take this through but I also acknowledge his thanks to the Hon Mark Mitchell who was the originator of this bill and originally introduced it just before the election. Most of the members who have already spoken have well articulated what this bill is seeking to do. It's aligning where appropriate military justice with the civil criminal codes but I think—importantly—keeping some separation as well. In the Minister's address he outlined why those separations are important and I think the one that people are at this point particularly focused on is the whole area of victims' rights and that is important. But I think also it's enhancing rights within the system itself and those accused importantly—around where the onus of proof is. So as the chair of the Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Committee I'm really looking forward to this bill coming to us so that we can actually tease it out in the select committee. I assume that with the end of the year coming so speedily it will be in the new year but we look forward to engaging with the public and the military of course in particular to work through this bill and return it to the House in good order. Thank you for your attention.
Mitchell MarkHon MARK MITCHELL (National—Rodney): Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. It's a pleasure to take a call on this the Military Justice Legislation Amendment Bill in its first reading. I'm very happy and pleased to see that the Government has brought this bill back into the House so quickly.I want to acknowledge all the officials that worked on this bill. There was literally a lot of blood sweat and tears that went into it. It's a very comprehensive and well-written piece of legislation.One of the most important of these significant improvements that have been made in the bill is around the incorporation into the military justice system of victims' rights under Part 3 of the Victims' Rights Act 2002. I'm going to come to that a little bit later just before I finish but this will ensure that victims of specified offences have rights and protections in the military justice system that are equivalent to those that they would receive in the civilian system. Of course this has been the primary objective of this piece of legislation to get our military and our civilian justice systems a lot more aligned.The bill also repeals a provision of the Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971 that replaces the onus of proof of an offence of a specific charge on to the accused. This brings military proceedings into line with those in civilian courts. The bill also amends some aspects of the procedure of the Court Martial of New Zealand such as aligning provisions relating to fitness to stand trial with the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003 and allowing a process for objecting to and substituting military members of the court martial.Just very briefly because I'm aware that we're taking shorter calls today I want to refer very quickly to new section 198K which provides that the director must give a victim notice of the offender's impending temporary or permanent release from custody" or the accused's or offender's escape from or death in custody and new section 198L: a breach by the accused or offender of any terms and conditions of release that relate to the safety and security of the victim or the victim's immediate family or that require the accused or the offenders not to associate with or not to contact the victim or any member of the victim's immediate family. These are fundamentally important for the victim's own feeling of safety and well-being especially when they've been the victim of a violent or sexual attack or an offence of that nature that they and their families are actually able to have the security in terms of knowing that they're protected by the law from that offender. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker."
Speaker's Rulings — Points of Order—Retrospective Rulings and Interpretation of Speaker's Ruling 20/5
Speaker's Rulings — Written Questions—Answers Acceptability and Speaker's Role in Judging
SpeechSPEAKER'S RULINGSWritten Questions—Obligation to AnswerMr SPEAKER: I have reviewed some replies to written questions provided recently. The Minister for Economic Development has responded to a series of questions saying that they are out of order under Standing Order 380. That is not an answer to the question. It is not for Ministers to rule things out of order. Only I may rule on relevance and admissibility. If it appears to a Minister that the question is not in order then the proper course is to return it to the Clerk's Office or to enter into a discussion with the Clerk's Office.I have also seen written questions asking what meetings a Minister has attended between certain dates that have been answered by What is meant by meetings?" That is not an answer to the question. If a Minister is not clear what a question means he or she could contact the member who has asked the question in order to seek clarification. A Minister's office should be able to receive clarification and provide a reply to the question within six working days.I remind Ministers of their duty to the House and through the House to the country to account for the public offices they hold. Ministers should give informative replies to the questions they are asked where it is consistent with the public interest to do so—Speakers rulings' 176/5 and 177/5.The questions that I have mentioned today will be returned to Ministers and I would expect that they would be replied to urgently. I will continue to review answers to written questions periodically to ensure questions are being addressed."
Motions — Ian Templeton—60th Anniversary in Press Gallery
Seymour David; Mallard TrevorDAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT): On behalf of the ACT Party I'd like to join with other leaders in congratulating Mr Templeton on his extraordinary service. For the avoidance of doubt the comments that follow have been in no way influenced by Mr Templeton's influence on me being awarded the Trans Tasman Politician of the Year several years ago. But I would like to say that a free and professional media that reports to the people in a clear engaging and transparent way is the essential pillar of a democracy because it is the first one to go when a democracy is eroded. I can't think of a better signature of how lucky we have been in New Zealand to have that than to have someone who has practised it so professionally and so astutely for six decades—a period of time that much like my colleague James Shaw I find it rather difficult to fathom but I'll take your word for it—and to have a journalist with an economics degree is a rare but extremely welcome thing too. So congratulations thank you for all your service and I hope that what lies ahead is fun and prosperous for you. [Applause]Mr SPEAKER: Ian I'm very tempted to start this by saying At the midpoint of my career …". The question is that the motion be agreed to. Motion agreed to.[Applause]"
Shaw JamesHon JAMES SHAW (Leader—Green): Thank you Mr Speaker. I too want to recognise and congratulate Ian Templeton for his long and outstanding career. As someone who is only 44 and has been in this institution for only 38 months it just blows my mind sir that you have been in journalism for 60 years and 53 of those in the press gallery. That is an extraordinary achievement.I note that this is a time of incredible change in the media industry. There are huge pressures going through the industry. Technology is causing huge disruption. Business models are changing and yet your career has seen radio eclipse newspapers; television eclipse radio; the internet eclipse television; the consolidation of regional papers; the loss of the evening daily papers; fewer journalists doing more not just more stories but across more and more technology platforms—you have quite literally seen it all. And I note also a few of the most historic moments in New Zealand's history: the Wahine disaster Mount Erebus even the 1951 waterfront strikes which you covered in your career and I do think that that is an extraordinary achievement.On behalf of the Green Party and everyone in New Zealand who values a strong and independent media I thank you for your service.[Applause]
Curran ClareHon CLARE CURRAN (Minister of Broadcasting Communications and Digital Media): On behalf of the Labour Party I wish to congratulate Ian Templeton on his 60th year as a press gallery journalist. Sixty years is an incredible amount of time to be in any job let alone the press gallery. Ian first started working in the gallery in 1957. Many of my parliamentary colleagues here today weren't even born then. Over that time there's been 17 Prime Ministers and 21 elections. We've seen huge change in our country and this was all under the watch of Ian.Ian's commitment to professionalism and integrity sets a high bar for all journalists to aspire to. I've been talking to a few people about you. I hear you've got an uncanny longstanding and well-deserved reputation for getting things right. One of the most important elements of this was his ability to gain trust and the reason that Ian was able to write so accurately was because of the relationships that he built. He was known to have a weekly meeting with Helen Clark which I'm sure his fellow gallery journalists were envious of. Many of you of course know—all of you should know—that Ian's brother Hugh was a Cabinet Minister and yet as testament to his professionalism there was never any indication of leaks coming from him.I understand that Ian himself says that journalism is a worthy profession and that what he does is for the public good. I think this highlights just how important quality integrity-based journalism is to the health of democracy. Quality journalism is a public good that allows us to be informed about important issues. It allows us to debate issues that are sometimes uncomfortable and confronting. Although I'm sure many of my colleagues get frustrated at times—and I'm not sure he ever gave me a good rap—quality journalism plays a vital role in keeping accountability in our country which is the lifeblood of robust democracies.Once again on behalf of the Labour Party congratulations to Ian on his incredible and record-breaking milestone of 60 years in the press gallery.[Applause]
Brownlee GerryHon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): I rise on behalf of the National Party to join the Government in paying tribute and in expressing admiration and best wishes to Ian Templeton as moved by the Rt Hon Winston Peters. Ian it won't have escaped your attention nor that of your colleagues that it's not so much an irony but truly a mark of respect that this motion is in fact moved by the Rt Hon Winston Peters and it's something that we would not have expected—to see such tribute paid to a doyen of the New Zealand media.In 60 years of reporting from this place you've carved an enviable reputation for accuracy for insight and for fairness. Your discerning but authoritative interview style has always demanded respect. Over the course of your time here you've seen some 608 MPs take their seats and this is your 21st Parliament. I came to this place when you were well past the midpoint of your career and the then Prime Minister told all of his new intake that if we wanted to know what was going on around the place just read Templeton and that the Trans Tasman was a must-have subscription.I'm told that the mantle of the longest-serving press gallery journalist now passes to a gentleman who's served a 35-year apprenticeship alongside you but I have to say a look at his work confirms you're a much better journalist than teacher. Well I can only say to Mr Templeton that you both come from Gore so you'll appreciate that good things take time.Ian you are from a distinguished family and your significant contribution to the service of public information stands beside the public service of your older brother and your twin brother. We have in this country a very safe democracy which is in no small part due to the profession that you have taken a lead in so very well. To have your family here today to hear just a little of the regard in which you are held by this institution is I think very special. So we extend to you to your wife and to your family every good wish for a long and enjoyable retirement. Can I finally reflect that you came to Parliament in the year of the Black Budget and express a hope that you are not leaving just ahead of the next one.[Applause]
Peters Winston; Mallard TrevorMOTIONSIan Templeton—Press Gallery 60th AnniversaryRt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Deputy Prime Minister): I seek leave to move a motion without notice on the 60-year anniversary of Ian Templeton working in the press gallery.Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being taken? There is none.Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Deputy Prime Minister): I move That the House pay tribute to Ian Templeton of the parliamentary press gallery and acknowledge his remarkable length of service in what is now his final week of covering the proceedings of this Parliament.Ian Campbell Templeton started journalism in 1946 with the Otago Daily Times the last of the independent newspapers in New Zealand. In July 1957 he came to the press gallery. Sid Holland was the Prime Minister when he arrived and the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern is the 15th Prime Minister he has reported on.Hon Member: Were you there when he arrived?Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: Ha! No I wasn't here when he arrived. Ian Templeton the founding member of the New Zealand Press Council which he served on for 25 years was awarded an OBE in 1993 and awarded a CNZM in 2010 and recently he was awarded an honorary doctorate in literature from Massey University.This is an occasion to acknowledge the presence of his wife Hannah and family members in the gallery today including daughters Jane and Fleur and two of his eight grandchildren Harry and Claudine.Ian your service to journalism in Parliament and parliamentary reporting has been pretty remarkable. As a journalist you were amazingly accurate interested in the details a repository of deep knowledge and because of that the standout character in the press gallery. It's hard to see how your achievements can ever be replicated. You will be sorely missed. Ian is at the front of Parliament today.As we know Templeton is a Scottish name. As the famous lyric says from the song Flower of Scotland": "When will we see your like again?"[Applause]"
Hipkins Chris; Bridges SimonTHURSDAY 7 DECEMBER 2017Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Karakia.BUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Next week the House will consider a range of Government bills including the first reading of the Taxation (Neutralising Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) Bill and the third readings of the Electronic Interactions Reform Bill the Maritime Crimes Amendment Bill and the Maritime Transport Amendment Bill. Wednesday will be a members' day. As notified to the Business Committee urgency will be moved after question time on Thursday for legislation that progresses the Government's 100-day programme.Hon SIMON BRIDGES (National—Tauranga): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I'm just wanting to inquire from the Leader of the House—how many senior Ministers will be required to filibuster on those bills next week?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I think it is a testament to the Government backbench of brand-new MPs that they are doing a better job of holding the Government to account than the largest and laziest Opposition New Zealand has ever had.
Wednesday 6 December 2017 - Volume 726
Electronic Interactions Reform Bill — In Committee
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 56New Zealand National 56.Noes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Motion not agreed to.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question that the question be now put.The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): The Ayes are 56 the Noes are 64. The motion will not be put.MATT DOOCEY (National—Waimakariri): I raise a point of order Madam Chairperson. I'd like to correct the vote. I incorrectly voted ACT opposed. Apologies.A party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT Party 1.Noes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Motion not agreed to.
Maritime Transport Amendment Bill — In Committee
VoteThe question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 6 in the name of the Hon Julie Anne Genter 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 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Amendments agreed to.Parts 1 to 3 schedules 1 and 2 and clauses 1 to 3 as amended agreed to.Bill as amended to be reported presently.
12. State Services (Open Government) Associate Minister—Written Questions ResponsesBRETT HUDSON (National) to the Associate Minister of State Services (Open Government)State Services (Open Government) Associate Minister—Written Questions Responses12. BRETT HUDSON (National) to the Associate Minister of State Services (Open Government): Does she stand by her statements about open and transparent Government?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of State Services) on behalf of the Associate Minister of State Services (Open Government): [Interruption] I am happy to see you too.Mr SPEAKER: Order! Order!Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: On behalf of the Associate Minister of State Services with responsibility for open government yes in the context in which they were given.Brett Hudson: Does she agree that written questions Nos 1486 1484 and 1477 asked by Clare Curran in 2016 would warrant full answers under the auspices of how she would advocate for an open and transparent Government to respond?Rt Hon Winston Peters: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I know that the Minister is a seriously bright man but to ask a Minister to recall the answers to a question like that shows how insincere and nonsensical the attitude of that member is.Brett Hudson: Speaking to the point of order—Mr SPEAKER: No no there isn't one—the Hon Chris Hipkins.Hon Dr Nick Smith: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The Rt Hon Winston Peters often asked exactly that question of Ministers when he was in Opposition—Mr SPEAKER: Well the member will resume his seat and let the Minister answer it.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I can't recall exactly what those questions were.Brett Hudson: How can she claim to be an advocate for open and transparent government in word and action when she refuses to answer questions similar to those that Clare Curran asked in 2016 and that were answered in full by the then Government?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Similar is not the same.
11. Job Creation and Unemployment—Youth UnemploymentHon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister of EmploymentJob Creation and Unemployment—Youth Unemployment11. Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister of Employment: Does he stand by all his statements on fixing unemployment?Hon WILLIE JACKSON (Minister of Employment): Generally in the context that they were made—yes.Hon Paul Goldsmith: That's a new one. Why did he say on Politik You don't fix unemployment by following Jonesy's idea and chucking a few Maori out there cutting scrub for a few months"?Hon WILLIE JACKSON: I said that on Politik because I was being interviewed at the time. So generally you answer the question. But I support the sentiment of Minister Jones—the passion the flair and he quoted Shakespeare yesterday. So that's something that's missing in the Opposition at this time. We totally support the sentiment the passion and the Māori flair of Minister Jones.Hon Paul Goldsmith: When he said on Radio New Zealand this morning that he is on the same waka as Shane Jones isn't it true that he is paddling in the opposite direction? [Interruption] Hon WILLIE JACKSON: Mr Speaker?Mr SPEAKER: No no. The member can sit down. It would be a marginal question for the Minister for sport. It's not one for him.Hon Paul Goldsmith: Will he commit to a target of more than 245000 jobs created over the next two years given his comments that the previous Government was just paying lip service to job creation?Hon WILLIE JACKSON: This Government is committed to our communities. They are communities that have been suffering. After nine years of neglect from this Opposition we are committed to turning the tide and addressing the crisis that the Opposition created in nine long miserable years.Hon Paul Goldsmith: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The Minister said he was committed to turning the tide but I asked him whether he was committed to a target of 245000 jobs.Mr SPEAKER: Yes and I think it's the third time today that I've explained to members on my left that members cannot require a yes or no answer. The question was addressed.Paul Eagle: What are some of the challenges facing young people wanting to be employed?Hon WILLIE JACKSON: What a wonderful question. Some of the challenges facing our young people—well there are multiple challenges for our young people but especially there are challenges for Māori because Māori have unemployment at triple the amount of Europeans sadly at the moment created by the previous Government's nine years of neglect of Māori at the community base. Shocking—Mr SPEAKER: No one of the things that the member must remember and I think he used to remember is that when I stand up he sits down. And as he sits down he shuts his mouth."
10. Health Services—Primary-care Funding and AccessKIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of HealthHealth Services—Primary-care Funding and Access10. KIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour) to the Minister of Health: What plans does the Government have to improve access to primary care?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): Our Government is not satisfied that an estimated half a million Kiwis are not able to visit a GP for reasons of cost in any given year. We know that treating sickness early improves individual health outcomes costs our health system less and frees up emergency departments for the most serious cases. That's why we will lower the costs of GP visits for New Zealanders by $10.Kiritapu Allan: When will all New Zealanders be able to access cheaper GP visits?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: This policy will go through a robust Budget process and we expect that New Zealanders will be able to access cheaper GP visits from July next year.Kiritapu Allan: What other future changes will the Government make to primary care?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Improving access to primary care will require changes in the primary-care sector and how we deliver services in our community. I will progress a review on primary care to ensure that New Zealanders have affordable access to quality primary health services.Mr SPEAKER: Just for the National Party whips they have lost another supplementary—thank you to Dr Coleman.Hon Christopher Finlayson: I punished him. I reprimanded him.Mr SPEAKER: Oh was it—Hon Christopher Finlayson: No I reprimanded him. I tried to help you.Mr SPEAKER: Well it's a double punishment then—whipped by Mr Finlayson and losing a question as well.