9. Question No. 9—Internal AffairsLAURA TRASK (ACT) to the Minister of Internal AffairsQuestion No. 9—Internal Affairs9. LAURA TRASK (ACT) to the Minister of Internal Affairs: What recent announcements has she made regarding the royal commission of inquiry into COVID19 lessons?Hon BROOKE VAN VELDEN (Minister of Internal Affairs): On 2 February I announced that the Government is delivering on its commitment to enable public input into expanding the scope of the royal commission of inquiry into COVID19 lessons. Both the ACT-National and the New Zealand First - National coalition agreements recognise expanding this scope as a priority. A royal commission is independent but the Government sets the terms of reference. The current terms of reference of this inquiry were decided by the same Government responsible for the COVID19 response. That's why this Government is open to expanding the scope of the inquiry.Laura Trask: Why is the Minister consulting the public on broadening the terms of reference for the royal commission's inquiry?Hon BROOKE VAN VELDEN: All Kiwis were impacted in some way by the previous Government's policies. There were social and economic impacts of COVID19 widely felt throughout the community. For example in education I've already heard from principals who say they've seen the effect of kids not being able to attend school a lack of attendance and the ability for kids not to have peer groups that they've socialised with. Businesses were having a lack of certainty stress and also not being deemed essential businesses. There were Aucklanders who had plunged into extended lockdowns and people unable to access non-urgent healthcare like breast cancer screenings that were put on hold. We want to hear from New Zealanders and it's essential for New Zealand to know what to do right in the future that we're asking the right questions now.Laura Trask: How can the public have their say on the terms of reference for the royal commission's inquiry?Hon BROOKE VAN VELDEN: The public can submit through the royal commission's COVID inquiry website: covid19lessons.royalcommission.nz. The public submissions are open until 24 March 2024 and I would encourage all New Zealanders to have their say. The Government will be considering the public's feedback before making any final decisions on the scope of the inquiry. Tanya Unkovich: Can the inquiry's terms of reference be expanded further than what's been suggested based on public submissions?Hon BROOKE VAN VELDEN: Yes there were nine bullet points put forward by the coalition Government after consultation in Cabinet. The Government will take public submissions into consideration before finalising new terms of reference.Tanya Unkovich: Can she provide an update on what the next steps are for the positions and vacancies of the COVID19 inquiry commissioners?Hon BROOKE VAN VELDEN: There are currently two commissioners for the COVID19 inquiry. The third member of the commission Hekia Parata resigned prior to the election. My first steps have been to open up the scope of inquiry by inviting public submissions but now I'm turning my mind to the membership of the royal commission. I've asked for advice on appointments and I will be consulting with my coalition partners throughout this process.Rt Hon Winston Peters: On the question of Hekia Parata having resigned has she found out that first of all she was offering her resignation but then the Prime Minister Mr Hipkins persuaded her not to proceed with her resignation but it came too late because the Minister in charge had accepted her resignation and therefore there was a fait accompli by mistake? [Interruption] That's true and you know—you're the Minister. SPEAKER: Well who's answering the question here?Rt Hon Winston Peters: Mr Speaker I could do both—but just say yes. [Points to the Minister of Internal Affairs]SPEAKER: Thank you the Rt Hon Winston Peters. That's very helpful. We'll leave it at that thank you and go on to question No. 10.