Shirley Ken: Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Stockholm Convention) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Shirley Ken: Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Stockholm Convention) Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:609;Page:6973] 
Hon KEN SHIRLEY (Deputy Leader—ACT NZ) 
: In addressing the title I think that the point has been made very clearly; however I would like to re-emphasise in relation to the title and ask the Minister in the chair why indeed the reference to new organisms is there. It is all about addressing the provisions of the Stockholm convention and allowing us to be able to ratify it. That of course relates specifically to persistent organic pollutants—the “POPs” as they are known—and the schedules name those persistent organic pollutants covered by it. But nowhere in the bill—and I have looked at it and if I am wrong the Minister should take a call to show me—is there any reference whatsoever or addressing of new organisms. The bill has nothing to do with new organisms. It is about hazardous substances so why on earth has the “new organisms” reference been put in the title? We have other legislation such as the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act but that is no explanation or reason to put it in the title of this stand-alone separate legislation. It simply does not make sense. 
I do not know what Cabinet committees do these days but I would have thought that that sort of problem would have been picked up there. Perhaps it just takes its leave from officials and does not give it adequate scrutiny. That is why legislation is brought to Parliament. It is so that Opposition members do scrutinise it. There is no reference whatsoever to new organisms so why on earth put it in the title? It is understandable that a person who picks up the title or reads a reference to the title will expect something to do with new organisms. [ 
Interruption 
] I will not respond to that member’s interjection. There is no reference to new organisms whatsoever. Indeed parties are indicating their support for this legislation in an overall sense that the persistent organic pollutants are a concern— 
The CHAIRPERSON (H V Ross Robertson) 
: Keep to the title. 
Hon KEN SHIRLEY 
: It is being addressed and that is why that aspect does belong in the title but certainly not the new organisms. It is not too late. We can make a change here. That is why we have the Committee stage. Perhaps the Minister needs to consult the Leader of the House who I notice is here and to take his leave from him because the title is wrong. It is a misnomer. It is very bad to pass into legislation something that carries the wrong name. It can only create confusion. It would be very inappropriate. We will be debating the aspects of this when we get to Parts 1 and 2 and the schedules but let us start off on the right foot and get the title right. If we cannot get the title right it will be very difficult as we move on through the latter stages of this legislation. 
I think we can get this debate completed by about 11 or 12 o’clock tonight if we apply ourselves. Let us get off on the right foot by getting the title right. This title is not appropriate and once again I urge the Minister to take a call. If she cannot explain to us why there should be a reference to new organisms in this bill which has nothing to do with new organisms will she please indicate that she is prepared to have it deleted and adopt the very good amendments that are being proposed by Opposition members.