Shearer David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeShearer David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 14 May 2013. Volume:690;Page:9841. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]1.DAVID SHEARER (Leader of the Opposition)to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements?Rt Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister):Yes.David Shearer: Does he stand by his statement of Skycity to “think laterally” about its deal with the Government; if so did he expect that it would tie future Governments into a 35-year contract?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Yes and it is quite normal actually for contractual arrangements that might span from one parliamentary term to another to ensure that those contracts are honoured. We also have 35 years of obligations that we expect Skycity to honour.David Shearer: Can he confirm that the decision to increase pokie machines in 2001 was made not by the Government but by the then chair of the Casino Control Authority Judith Collins and that soon after that decision was made the Labour Government legislated to introduce a sinking-lid policy on future pokies?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: That may well be the case. I also know that in 2001 when the then Labour Government negotiated a deal with Skycity there were 230 pokie machines for less than one-third of the size of this convention centre.David Shearer: Why has his Government refused to release the advice it received on possible harm to the community of gambling with the additional 230 pokie machines 40 extra gaming tables and cashless technology for pokie machines and with allowing 17 percent of pokies to accept more than $20 denominations?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: I am advised by the Minister that all of that information will be released in due course.David Shearer: Will the public have an opportunity to have a say on this legislation and the shape of the convention centre or will the Government go along with Nigel Morrison who says that it is not necessary?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: A few things. Firstly the legislation will go to a select committee. Secondly the member will be aware that in 2011 we actually campaigned on this issue and broadly in line with the deal that has been announced. Thirdly this would be a way I guess of describing it: “In Auckland Sky City has pumped $140 million into its new Convention Centre and Auckland City has rebranded and upgraded its conventions facilities” and “it has been pleasing to see continuing investment in the quality of our tourism infrastructure.” I could not have said it better myself except that came from Helen Clark when Labour last did the deal.David Shearer: Is he proud that his legacy according to the Dominion Post will be “a flashing palace that is a shrine of misery”?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: I really think the Leader of the Opposition should stop talking about the Labour caucus like that.David Shearer: Given that the Auditor-General said that the tendering process was “not transparent or even-handed” does he still believe all the other companies had the same opportunity as Skycity?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Yes but Skycity clearly had some natural advantages given that it is already operating a convention centre authorised by Labour. But I think it is worth—David Shearer: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. It was adequately answered thank you. [Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Order!Hon Judith Collins: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Despite what Mr Shearer said I who am just along from the Prime Minister could not hear a word of his magnificent answer.Mr SPEAKER: It was political question and a very political answer.Rt Hon Winston Peters: If as the Prime Minister said National campaigned on this in 2011 when precisely during that campaign did he refer to a 35-year guarantee that would go towards Skycity?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: I think we made it quite clear when we campaigned on the deal that there would be various concessions. It is quite obvious that if we have a 35-year expectation on Skycity—Rt Hon Winston Peters: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The Prime Minister made a boast in a previous answer that they campaigned on it. I am asking for a specific detail and either they did or they did not. Can we have that answer please?Mr SPEAKER: And the Prime Minister is attempting to answer it. Would the Prime Minister please complete his answer.Rt Hon JOHN KEY: It is quite obvious that if we have a situation where we enter into a commercial contract where a company is going to have 35 years’ worth of cost and obligation that that would run both ways. I think it is also quite normal.Rt Hon Winston Peters: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker.Hon Member: Here we go. He doesn’t like it.Rt Hon Winston Peters: No I do not like it—you are right—because it is a lie.Mr SPEAKER: Order! Would the member please raise his point of order.Rt Hon Winston Peters: Yes and when I am asking a question—[Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Order! Point of order.Rt Hon Winston Peters: —or raising a point of order you will shut them down.Mr SPEAKER: It will be heard in silence.Rt Hon Winston Peters: OK. My point of order is that I am asking a precise question on the issue of when he talked about 35-year guarantees to Skycity in the 2011 campaign—Mr SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] Order! The Prime Minister has adequately addressed the question that was raised.Rt Hon Winston Peters: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Then seeking clarification from you when was that date?Hon Member: Is he a liar too?Rt Hon Winston Peters: Well he could be if he does not answer that question. When was the date that I asked for?Mr SPEAKER: Order! That is not a point of order. What the member is now doing is challenging a decision I have made. That will lead to disorder and the member should not do so.