edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Lees-Galloway IainHon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety): I thank the members for their questions. I've just taken some time to get some advice from officials and I will do my very best to answer some of the questions that have come from Opposition members.A couple of members asked about the statement in the regulatory impact statement that some families could theoretically face tax rates above 100 percent so in effect—[Interruption] Would members like to hear the answers or not? Some families could in very unusual and specific conditions find themselves with an effective tax rate of more than 100 percent. The Rt Hon David Carter asked what our best estimate is for how many families might be in that position. To date we have found no one who would be in that position. So our best estimate right now is zero families would be in that position.Hon Steven Joyce: Why's it in the paper?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: Well the member interjects and asks: why is it in the paper? Because as an open and transparent Government we want to acknowledge that there is a theoretical possibility and we're happy to include theoretical possibilities. We've done our best to see if the theory actually applies in practice and to the best of our knowledge the theory does not apply in practice. So I hope members appreciate that answer.Members have asked if it is intentional that the Best Start payment is not available to parents who are receiving paid parental leave. Yes it is intentional. The reason for that is that people are already receiving a Government payment—paid parental leave—that is significantly greater than the Best Start payment.Hon Louise Upston: In absence of work.Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: The good news of course if members are interested in listening is that people who do not currently qualify for paid parental leave and get nothing now receive the Best Start payment of $60 a week.Mr Joyce asked: why don't we just roll this into Working for Families? Well I give a similar answer: not everyone qualifies for Working for Families—not everyone qualifies for Working for Families. So we are ensuring that families who do not currently qualify for Working for Families including many families who are not in work actually get the $60 a week payment. So that is the answer to that question Mr Joyce.The other question that Mr Joyce asked was—there is a table that has a different estimate of the number of children who will be lifted out of poverty to the number that was used by the Minister of Finance. That is quite straightforward: different departments have used different forecast assumptions. Now Mr Joyce as a former Minister of Finance will be well aware of this—that different departments will use different assumptions—and that's why that number is different. I thank members for their questions and I hope those answers help.
Sepuloni CarmelHon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development): I'm not going to take a long call. I just want to respond to an issue that the member Erica Stanford raised with her concern that women who are beneficiaries may be given preferential treatment over working mothers. Not the case at all—I've just checked with the officials. If you're a working mother and on paid parental leave you still have access to the accommodation supplement and Working for Families and everything else. So in no situation would they be worse off than a sole mother on a benefit. Thank you.
Dowie SarahThe CHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): Just for the benefit of the member Sarah Dowie I have had a look at her amendment in detail—the amendment to insert a new Part 3. This is about enabling a male to get a paternity test to achieve knowledge of his paternity. I think that's a pretty long bow to then link that to a benefit for when a child is born and its first couple of years of life.SARAH DOWIE (National—Invercargill): I raise a point of order Madam Chairperson.The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): I'll take a point of order from Sarah Dowie.SARAH DOWIE: Thank you. Speaking to that Madam Chair the way I see that new part being inserted is that the United Nations convention with respect to the rights—The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): I understand that but to fit it within the context of this bill it's either to do with tax or to do with a benefit. And just because you use the term to give the best start to a child knowing who their father might be" as a human right is a bit of a long bow. But I will give it further consideration I think. I'm just warning you.SARAH DOWIE: Yes well in all fairness obviously that relates to child support payments and other benefits that would be received by the child in that regard. So I would seek your clarification and your ruling in the positive.The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): We move on."
SpeechThe CHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): I call Sarah Dowie but just before the member starts can I just advise her. She has two amendments tabled. The first on a new clause 12A is in scope but her second amendment inserting a new Part 3 is out of order as it's out of the scope of the bill. The two defining features of this bill are income tax and benefit and the member's amendment is outside of those. So there is no debate on that second amendment but the first—Sarah Dowie: The family proceedings amendment.The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): That's right.
Robertson GrantHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Mr Chair the best 55 seconds of your day is coming up right now. The Working for Families tax credits are being extended by clauses 48 to 51 and clause 55 of Part 1. This will bring 26000 families into Working for Families in the 2018-19 year and then another 39000 families in by the time this part of the package is fully rolled out. So to finish this part of my contribution Part 1 of this bill introduces a Best Start tax credit that will make a massive difference to the 65000 newborns born in New Zealand every single year. It will continue to be rolled out targeting in years 2 and 3 those on middle and low incomes and we will extend Working for Families. This part of the bill is a critical part of our families package.
Rurawhe AdrianTHURSDAY 14 DECEMBER 2017(continued on Friday 15 December 2017)FAMILIES PACKAGE (INCOME TAX AND BENEFITS) BILLIn CommitteeDebate resumed.Part 1 Income Tax (continued)The CHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe): Mōrena e Te Whare. The House in committee is resumed for further consideration of the Families Package (Income Tax and Benefits) Bill. When the committee suspended last night we were debating Part 1. The Hon Grant Robertson had the call and he has 55 seconds remaining if he would like to take a call.
Thursday 14 December 2017 - Volume 726
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 56.Motion agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question that it be an instruction to the committee of the whole House on the Families Package (Income Tax and Benefits) Bill that it have the power to consider and if it thinks fit to adopt amendments that are not within scope of the bill but are broadly related to family incomes reducing child poverty and the well-being of families.Mr SPEAKER: Sorry I'm just going to interrupt now. I do want to remind members that all votes are to be held in silence and that this is the last warning for that member.A party votewas called for on the question That it be an instruction to the committee of the whole House on the Families Package (Income Tax and Benefits) Bill that it have the power to consider and if it thinks fit to adopt amendments that are not within scope of the bill but are broadly related to family incomes reducing child poverty and the well-being of families.Ayes 56New Zealand National 56.Noes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Motion not agreed to.
Families Package (Income Tax and Benefits) Bill — Instruction to Committee
Families Package (Income Tax and Benefits) Bill — Second Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Families Package (Income Tax and Benefits) Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Bill read a second time.
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Families Package (Income Tax and Benefits) Bill be now read a first time.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Bill read a first time.
Families Package (Income Tax and Benefits) Bill — First Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That urgency be accorded.Ayes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Noes 56New Zealand National 56Motion agreed to.
12. Working for Families—Family Tax Credit RatePRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN (Labour) to the Minister for Social DevelopmentWorking for Families—Family Tax Credit Rate12. PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN (Labour) to the Minister for Social Development: How does the Government propose to make being in work more sustainable for families and lift them out of poverty?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development): This Government recognises that financial support provides much-needed stability to families that struggle to hold down a job while caring for children. Not only will more New Zealanders be eligible for Working for Families but the family tax credit rates are being increased for each child. Around 368000 families will benefit from these changes. In 2018-19 26000 more families will be eligible for Working for Families building to 39000 in 2020-21. This package recognises that caring for children is one of the most important things families can do. It helps families remain in work and provide for their children.Priyanca Radhakrishnan: Why is it important that the rate for younger and older children is made the same?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Parents of small children currently get less support than families with teens. I'm very proud that this Government will change that. Helping families with small children create a stable home environment will combat the insecurity and continual hardship these families face. This entire package including the Working for Families changes will lift 88000 children out of poverty.Priyanca Radhakrishnan: Why is the Government raising the Working for Families abatement threshold and what does this mean for families?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Currently if your income is above $36350 a year your family tax credits start to reduce. The previous Government wanted to make this threshold even lower. Our Government knows that this bar was far too low already and that more families need help. From 1 July 2018 Working for Families tax credits will begin to reduce only when your income hits $42700 a year. This Government is committed to ensuring low- to middle-income families are better off in this country.
9. Winter Energy Payment—Period and AmountMARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister of Energy and ResourcesWinter Energy Payment—Period and Amount9. MARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Is she satisfied that all New Zealanders are able to properly meet their heating and energy needs over the winter months; if not what is the Government doing to support them?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Energy and Resources): No. Too many New Zealanders are facing ever-rising power bills and this is forcing some people to avoid heating their homes or unable to cover other expenses to ensure that they and/or their families are kept warm and healthy. This Government doesn't think that's good enough. That's why today the Government has announced a Winter Energy Payment from 1 July 2018 available to those receiving New Zealand superannuation or a veterans pension as well as people receiving a main benefit. This will help nearly a million New Zealanders afford the heating they need to keep their houses warm and healthy. Marja Lubeck: How long will the Winter Energy Payment run for each year and why is this period important? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: The Winter Energy Payment will run for 13 weeks from 1 July 2018 next year. In future years it will start on 1 May and continue for 22 weeks. These months are when we face some of the worst weather conditions in New Zealand and helping nearly a million people keep their homes warm at these times is vital. And it's important to note that there are 184000 children living in households who will receive this payment. Marja Lubeck: How much will recipients receive to help them warm their homes?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: When fully implemented superannuitants and those on a main benefit will receive a total of $450 if they are single with no dependent children or $700 for couples. This is important especially for older people on fixed incomes as this extra money will make a huge difference to their lives and help them keep their homes warm and dry.
7. Environment Minister—Resource Management Act and PrioritiesDAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT) to the Minister for the EnvironmentEnvironment Minister—Resource Management Act and Priorities7. DAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT) to the Minister for the Environment: Does he agree with his officials from the Ministry for the Environment who stated in their Briefing to the Incoming Minister that failures in the resource management and planning system have system-wide effects that impact all New Zealanders such as the ability to deliver sufficient development capacity for housing"; if so does he intend to overhaul the Resource Management Act 1991 in this term of Parliament?Hon MEKA WHAITIRI (Minister of Customs) on behalf of the Minister for the Environment: Yes I agree with the Ministry for the Environment. Cabinet is yet to make any decision about whether to review the Resource Management Act (RMA) in this term of Parliament.David Seymour: How then will this Government build an additional 10000 houses per year when its own officials say that the regulatory system for land use planning is not fit for purpose?Hon MEKA WHAITIRI: The housing crisis that developed over the past nine years is of paramount importance to this Government and we are considering a range of options. I'm working closely with the Minister of Housing and Urban Development the Hon Phil Twyford on this issue. [Pause in proceedings]Hon Dr Megan Woods: What's going on?David Seymour: Is the—well it's just common courtesy—Minister saying that the officials who wrote that briefing to the incoming Minister are wrong and the problem with building more homes is not a fundamental problem with the Resource Management Act? Is she saying that this Government will get different results with exactly the same policies?Hon MEKA WHAITIRI: Like I said we are always willing to consider sensible options to address the housing crisis. If the member has any sensible proposals to address the housing crisis he is welcome to forward them to the Minister for the Environment's office.Hon Scott Simpson: Of the short-term priority options for decision presented to him by his ministry in their briefing to him as incoming Minister which is his top priority?Hon MEKA WHAITIRI: Like I said I am considering all options including reforming the RMA which is but one. Once those options are considered Cabinet will make their decision in due course.Hon Scott Simpson: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I asked a very precise question—asking which was the top priority.Mr SPEAKER: Yes and I think the member got an answer saying that that will be something that's considered by Cabinet."
Allan Kiritapu; Mallard TrevorKIRITAPU ALLAN (Assistant Whip—Labour): I move That the question be now put.Mr SPEAKER: Yes I have no doubt that members are ready to make a decision on the question.
Smith NickHon Dr NICK SMITH (National—Nelson): Happy to take it either way. Look I want to join—Hon Members: Ha ha! Hon Dr NICK SMITH: That's with respect to the Hon" and the "Dr"—no other reference intended. I'm delighted to join my colleagues in supporting the motion to give a clear instruction to the committee to enable a wider discussion of bills. The reason firstly that we need to do that is this isn't some minor matter. This is a bill under urgency involving over $5.5 billion of New Zealand taxpayers' money and we are also in a—Mr SPEAKER: Again I'll refer the member to Standing Order 176 which is very very tight. The member cannot traverse what's in the bill. Hon Dr NICK SMITH: The argument that I want to present is why the motion that has been moved by my colleague makes good sense in allowing a wider range of issues to be referred to. The motion—and I'm happy to read it so that it's very clear—is that the committee needs the power to be able to adopt amendments that are not within the scope of the bill but are broadly related to the issues of family income reducing child poverty and the well-being of families. So fundamentally it's about whether we're going to give the committee the power to be able to discuss alternative and better ways of spending the $5.5 billion. Now it's absolutely right that this is not the time to debate the specific issues in the bill. This is the time to debate whether we want to let the committee of the whole House debate those broader issues as to whether there are other and better alternatives. We are in the unusual circumstance where we are in urgency. It's either extraordinary in the sense that the package that is contained in this bill was not supported by the largest numbers of voters in the election that just passed a few months ago—quite different. Mr SPEAKER: Right the member will resume his seat."
Allan KiritapuKIRITAPU ALLAN (Labour): It's with absolute delight that I get to rise and speak on the Families Package (Income Tax and Benefits) Bill. This is exactly the type of legislation that this side of the House entered into this Parliament to do. What it does is it absolutely flips on its head the last nine years and the trajectory that we've been going on that the last Government has led us down.But before I turn to the substantives I just want to make a comment on the previous speaker Barbara Kuriger's speech. She said Now why would we give money to people that don't need it?" Exactly. That's a great point because every single one of us was going to get an extra thousand bucks a week and we don't need it. The reality is the people that do need it are the people up in Te Teko the people up Te Ka'a the people up in Tolaga. Those whānau need that cash in their back pocket.Now what I was just thinking about because the last time I was in Te Ka'a—you guys probably don't get up there except to go to your fancy holiday homes but when I go up there I'm dealing with the nannies and the koros. I'm thinking of Haki McRoberts and the whānau up there. When I step into their homes they're not that warm and they don't have a lot of cash in their back pockets. What they're saying to me—there were almost tears when I spoke to some of them when we talked about what the implications of this legislation would be for those nannies and those koros up the coast. And when I talked to their mokopuna and I said "No you know what Nan and Koro they're going to get an extra 700 bucks to help pay for the heat." they were stoked because what that meant was that they could ensure that their nannies and their koros wouldn't be sleeping on the floor in their kitchen next to the ovens as they're currently doing and as they've been currently doing under the last Government. Go and see it for yourselves because if you haven't seen it then I say that you haven't been out to provincial New Zealand.Now I know that the member Barbara Kuriger represents a provincial seat but I don't know whether that member spends a lot of time with those that aren't in the upper echelons. I'll tell you what: there are so many people out there in our rural provincial electorates that are getting in touch with me right now saying thank you—thank you for—Hon Member: Why didn't they vote for you?KIRITAPU ALLAN: Well I actually picked up a few extra votes. I was pretty surprised myself but anyway that's a point for another day. But what they are saying is "Thank you—thank you to a compassionate Labour-led Government; thank you the Hon Grant Robertson for building on the movement that started in our previous Labour Government; thank you the Hon Chris Hipkins for introducing a raft of amendments that dump the prior legislation that did nothing to educate our kids." I don't want to go on and on this evening but I want to wholeheartedly swing in behind and say thank you to our executive for the stunning job that you're doing. I commend this bill to the House."
Russell DeborahDr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour—New Lynn): Madam Assistant Speaker I've been a bit worried about our friends across the House because there is a particular number that they've been deeply concerned about. In fact earlier this evening Mr Andrew Bayly memorably talked about the particular figure and so have a number of other people on the other side of House. They've been deeply concerned that the average worker—they allege—is going to be $1060 worse off because they're not going to get something they were never going to get in the first place.Hon Members: That's right—they were!Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL: Now that's a fine philosophical point but I have some special reassurance for our friends on the other side of the House. You see under this Labour-led Government year on year over the next five years the average wage is predicted to grow by 3 percent and if you crunch the numbers on that 3 percent what it tells you is that over the next five years the average worker will be $7800 better off before tax $5400 better off after tax and that is $1090 a year better off under a Labour-led Government. So I offer you that reassurance. And more than that we are restoring the independent earner tax credit making the less well off better off. So you are reassured that we are looking after the average worker. We are doing our best for workers and we are making them better off.I want to raise one further fine philosophical point and that is the point about what we pay taxes for. We pay taxes we contribute what we can because taxation is the price of a civilised society—a civilised society that supports its children. Children are not consumer accessories. They're not nuisances. They're not things that people just have. They are citizens and they deserve our support. This is what this bill does. It supports our younger citizens. It will lift 88000 children out of poverty over the next three years—71000 in the next year alone. Why do we pay our taxes if not for our children? That is why I support this bill.
Eagle Paul; Williams PotoPAUL EAGLE (Labour—Rongotai): Madam Assistant Speaker thank you. I think I've been given less than that because the words I'm going to say can be said in less time so there we are.Matt King: This is going to be good.PAUL EAGLE: Thank you Mr King. Remember I do the big work—you are the king" but I do the big work.We're in urgency for good reason because this is urgent—this is urgent—and I'll tell you why. This is why I don't need much time. I was given leave—it's hard to get out of this prison sometimes but I was given leave and I'll tell you what I went out to South Wellington Intermediate School because I had to go to check on something that the former Minister of Finance said when he claimed there was no public endorsement of this legislation. Well members after getting nearly 52 percent of the vote in my electorate—7000 more votes for the Labour Party in my electorate—I think that's a mandate I think that's an endorsement and there's not an ounce of arrogance in that.There was a chair of a board—and I won't talk about national standards because that's off-topic—who talked about this legislation. They'd heard about it. They know that there are families in the school that said "This will make the sort of difference that the people who have children at this school need." and there was a standing ovation. I don't know what gets more public endorsement at a low-decile intermediate school in the heart of Wellington City. They gave that endorsement: a standing ovation.So members please if there's any doubt that there is no public endorsement of this there is. What it shows is that this is a Government that is in touch and that this is a party that got it right. Tax cuts were never going to wash with the people in my electorate but they get it when the houses they live in the payments they'll get—because the former Government didn't do any maintenance on the Housing New Zealand Corporation's housing stock all 68000 now 64000 of it; there are a lot of them in my electorate. They actually get this. A standing ovation members says it all.So check in with the people who voted for you—check in because there's no better mandate there's no better endorsement. As the Minister of Finance proudly said this legislation will lift 88000 people out of poverty and there is no better figure than that.The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Poto Williams): I call Lawrence Yule—five minutes."
Robertson GrantSecond ReadingHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): I move That the Families Package (Income Tax and Benefits) Bill be now read a second time.It's my honour to once again speak in favour of this comprehensive package to lift at least 88000 children out of poverty when it is fully implemented—and for the benefit of Andrew Bayly 71000 out of poverty in 2018-19.It is actually perhaps quite useful just to reflect on—if we are looking to compare the package that the National Party put up in Budget 2017 versus this package—and to bear in mind that at 71000 children coming out of poverty that's a 44 percent reduction and then by the time we get to 88000 children that's a 48 percent reduction nearly halving child poverty. If we look at the package that was put forward in 2017 in 2019 it would've been a 34 percent reduction and then moving to 2021 actually it went down to 27 percent. So it's not quite as good a package when it comes to actually lifting children out of poverty.This package is one that covers at least 384000 families. It does focus on boosting low and middle income families with children. We have never said anything else on this side of the House other than We want to support children to have the best possible start in life." We make no apology for the fact that this package targets supporting families with children. It targets supporting families with children and lifting those children out of poverty.I am extremely proud of this bill. I have no desire to elongate my speech other than to commend it to the House."
Webb DuncanDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central): Madam Deputy Speaker I am sick to death of hearing that lot talking about hard-working New Zealanders as if it was only the high-income earners. How do they think that a bus driver a cleaner a security guard—they are hard-working New Zealanders and many of them are working three jobs just to make ends meet and they're the people that this Families Package will help. So you know what? It's not about you and your mates.At last we've got a Minister of Finance who knows about balance. This is not some blunt tool; this is not lolly scramble. At last what we've got here are some financial measures that target. At last here we have something that says Who needs this? Lower-income working families." We're not going to ask someone to fill out 30-page forms for their heating payment. No what we're going to do is say "Here it is." This is not some dirty little social investment scheme. This is a thoughtful package that a Minister of Finance that I am very pleased to be working with has thought out very carefully.So you the member for Taranaki - King Country stop thinking of your dairy farmers start thinking about the people who milk the cows. So you know what? I can think of nothing better—nothing better—than this package which helps out families people with new members—Barbara Kuriger: I raise a point of order Madam Speaker. I did not mention the dairy farmers. I was actually thinking about the bus drivers—Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] Order! That is not a point of order.Dr DUNCAN WEBB: Yeah well perhaps you should try catching a bus from time to time. All I've got to say—there's not much more to say but at last there's a Minister of Finance who has a package that has balance that at last targets help where it's needed and that will lift 71000 children out of poverty next year. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker."
Urgent Debates — Government Financial Position—Budget Policy Statement and Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update
Sepuloni CarmelHon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development): I had the opportunity during the urgent debate to really cover off the more substantive parts of what I wanted to speak to about this bill so I won't go into too much detail in this speech but what I do want to do is respond to some of what the previous speaker Andrew Bayly mentioned during his speech. He very facetiously congratulated us for introducing our own bill. What I'd like to say is that at least this is a bill with impact. It is a bill that will make a difference so it was definitely worth waiting for and there is going to be much much more to come from this side of the House.This is a bill that is going to lift 88000 children out of poverty. I want to just go back to what Andrew Bayly said about how their commitment was to actually lift 50000 out of poverty I think in 2018-19 whereas the 88000 is 2020-21. Fair point but actually our number for 2018-19 is 71000 which still tops what they were attempting to achieve. I really wanted to make that point.We're really proud of this package and want to remind that side of the House that there are 385000 families that are going to benefit from what we put forward today here in the House. It is the changes to Working for Families it is Best Start it is the accommodation supplement and it is the winter energy payment. There are changes to a number of other areas and all of them are going to have a positive impact on New Zealand families. I'm really proud that we've been in Government what seven weeks?Hon Grant Robertson: Yes.Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Seven weeks and we're going to make a bigger impact for children in poverty and for New Zealand families than what that Opposition managed to do in the nine years that they were in Government.I'm not going to continue on. All I'm going to say is again thank you to the officials and to the team that was involved in this and acknowledgment to our finance Minister and also to our children's Minister who I've had a great time bonding with over Working for Families.
Brownlee Gerry; Joyce StevenMr SPEAKER: Order! I'm inviting the member to sit down. I assure him I'll get him to stand up again relatively soon. I just want to make clear to members on both sides of the House because I think Grant Robertson transgressed slightly and the Leader of the Opposition transgressed greatly we are now debating not the economic package not the student arrangements not social investment; we are debating the Families Package (Income Tax and Benefits) Bill. And because we have had a previous debate on the general economic package this bill which would otherwise have been treated in a more liberal manner given the lack of the opportunity to debate the package will now be debated as a bill. It is not going to be a general economic debate.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): I seek leave for the discussion on this bill to be slightly wider than the purpose of the bill in order that it might traverse some of the wider economic issues that clearly are important to the Government.Mr SPEAKER: The question is that the debate be—Hon Grant Robertson: Leave is sought—you're seeking leave.Mr SPEAKER: Yes sorry.Hon Grant Robertson: Leave is sought.Mr SPEAKER: Leave is sought—I apologise—for the debate to be widened in order to discuss matters that are outside the scope of the bill. Is there any objection to that? There is objection. [Interruption] Mr Little—second warning in about 10 minutes.Hon STEVEN JOYCE (National): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. In terms of this level of wideness or narrowness can I just ask: is it OK to talk about—in relation to the tax cuts which obviously is a significant part of this bill the cancellation thereof—where the money's being spent in relation to that? Keeping it narrow—Mr SPEAKER: In a passing manner yes but as the substance of a member's contribution no.
Hipkins Chris; Mallard TrevorURGENCYHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I move That urgency be accorded the passing through all stages of the Families Package (Income Tax and Benefits) Bill.This is a piece of legislation that delivers central elements of the Government's 100-day plan as announced in the Speech from the Throne. In addition to reversing the former Government's tax package from Budget 2017 which was itself passed under urgency it introduces a Best Start payment and a winter energy payment boosts Working for Families and makes other changes that will benefit a wide range of New Zealanders particularly those on low and middle incomes.Different elements of the package come into effect on 1 April and 1 July 2018. We have been advised that the Ministry of Social Development and the Inland Revenue Department do need to build and test systems and processes necessary for the delivery of the package and that is one of the reasons why urgency is required. Passing the bill through urgency also provides certainty for payroll providers who will have to rearrange their systems to accommodate the tax changes. It will also ensure that families have certainty in knowing what they will receive and be entitled to. The Government has been advised that any delay in enacting the package would make the delivery of the new systems and processes necessary to give effect to it very difficult and potentially put those at risk. That is the reason why urgency is required.Mr SPEAKER: The question is that the motion be agreed to. Those of that opinion will say Aye to the contrary No—[Interruption] Well you know about the voice and the vote don't you Mr Brownlee? A party vote is called for. The Clerk will conduct a party vote.
Mallard TrevorURGENT DEBATESFiscal Strategy—Budget Policy Statement and Half Year Economic and Fiscal UpdateMr SPEAKER: I have received a letter from the Hon Steven Joyce seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the Government's release of the Budget Policy Statement and Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update. This is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility.The Budget Policy Statement and Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update are regular features of the Government's financial cycle. The Budget Policy Statement is debated each year after it is considered by the Finance and Expenditure Committee. In the normal course of events the regular release of these documents would not warrant an urgent debate. However there has been a change of Government after three terms. The new Government has a 100-day plan that it is implementing and has said that the detailed costings for the 100-day plan will be revealed in the release of the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update. Waiting until after the 100 days are over to scrutinise those plans and costs may not be satisfactory.I have considered an earlier precedent for a similar situation. In 1990 shortly after the opening of the Parliament the new Government made a general economic statement to the House before introducing a finance bill; that statement resulted in an extensive debate involving the Prime Minister the Leader of the Opposition the Minister of Finance and several other senior members.In the absence of any indication of a ministerial statement I have concluded that this matter does warrant the immediate attention of the House. I am aware that the Families Package (Income Tax and Benefits) Bill has been introduced today. This bill implements some elements of the Government's 100-day plan. Because of the granting of this urgent debate the debate on the bill will be more closely restricted to the content of the bill rather than on the general fiscal and budgetary plans. I invite the Hon Steven Joyce to move that the House take note of a matter of urgent public importance.
Hipkins Chris; Brownlee GerryTHURSDAY 14 DECEMBER 2017Mr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Karakia.BUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Thank you Mr Speaker. Today the House will go into urgency to pass the Families Package (Income Tax and Benefits) Bill a cornerstone of the Government's 100-day plan.On Tuesday 19 December the House will consider the first reading of the Overseas Investment Amendment Bill and the remaining stages of the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Bill.On the morning of Wednesday 20 December there will be an extended sitting for the first reading of the Ngāti Tūwharetoa Claims Settlement Bill and the second reading of the Iwi and Hapū of Te Rohe o Te Wairoa Claims Settlement Bill.On Wednesday afternoon the House will consider motions relating to the Intelligence and Security Committee and will confirm the sitting programme for next year during the adjournment debate. The House will then adjourn until Tuesday 30 January 2018.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): I wonder if the Leader of the House could confirm that the bill to be discussed this afternoon under the urgency motion is in fact an omnibus bill.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Well yes and my understanding is that it was tabled in the Table Office at 1 o'clock. It is now available on the Table.Hon Gerry Brownlee: It's an omnibus bill?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Yes.
Wednesday 13 December 2017 - Volume 726
End of Life Choice Bill — First Reading
EventNEWBORN ENROLMENT WITH GENERAL PRACTICE BILLFirst ReadingDebate resumed from 28 June.Bill read a first time.
VoteAmendments recommended by the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee by majority agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That the Employment Relations (Allowing Higher Earners to Contract Out of Personal Grievance Provisions) Amendment Bill be now read a second time.Ayes 57New Zealand National 56; ACT New Zealand 1.Noes 63New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8.Motion not agreed to.
Employment Relations (Allowing Higher Earners to Contract Out of Personal Grievance Provisions) Amendment Bill — Second Reading
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That clause 1 be agreed to.Ayes 64New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8; ACT New Zealand 1.Noes 56New Zealand National 56.Clause 1 agreed to.The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 9 in the name of the Hon Ruth Dyson to clause 2 be agreed to.Amendment agreed to.Clause 2 as amended agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 3 be agreed to.Ayes 64New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8; ACT New Zealand 1.Noes 56New Zealand National 56.Clause 3 agreed to.The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 10 in the name of the Hon Ruth Dyson to clause 4 be agreed to.Amendments agreed to.A party vote was called for on the question That clause 4 as amended be agreed to.Ayes 64New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8; ACT New Zealand 1.Noes 56New Zealand National 56.Clause 4 as amended agreed to.The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 10 in the name of the Hon Ruth Dyson to insert new clause 5 be agreed to.Amendment agreed to.The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 10 in the name of the Hon Ruth Dyson to insert new clause 6 be agreed to.Amendment agreed to.The question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 10 in the name of the Hon Ruth Dyson to insert new clause 7 be agreed to.Amendment agreed to.House resumed.Bill reported with amendment.Report adopted.
Rates Rebate (Retirement Village Residents) Amendment Bill — In Committee
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.Ayes 64New Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party 8; ACT New Zealand 1.Abstentions 56New Zealand National 56.Motion agreed to.
12. Health Services—Primary-care Access for Māori and PasifikaANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Associate Minister of HealthHealth Services—Primary-care Access for Māori and Pasifika12. ANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Associate Minister of Health: What recent reports has she received on Māori and Pacific adults' access to primary health care?Hon JENNY SALESA (Associate Minister of Health): I've seen the first release of statistics from the 2016-17 New Zealand Health Survey which shows that the number of Māori adults who reported not visiting a GP due to cost in the previous year was estimated to be 110000 and the number for Pacific adults was 42000. This is not good enough. We need to do better to reduce the cost barriers that our people have especially in terms of early preventative healthcare services and treatment so that they do not end up in emergency departments.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: How do these statistics on cost barriers to visiting a GP for Māori and Pacific adults compare to previous years?Hon JENNY SALESA: Sadly these reported numbers have remained stubbornly high relatively unchanged since 2011-12. Again I want to emphasise that Māori adults were nearly 1.6 times more likely not to have visited their general practice in the last 12 months due to cost than non-Māori and for Pacific adults 1.1 times more likely not to have visited their GP due to cost.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: What are the Government's plans to reduce the cost of primary care for Māori and Pacific adults?Hon JENNY SALESA: We are committed to reducing cost barriers for visiting general practitioners and we're planning to reduce the cost say of visiting a GP by $10 for New Zealanders. This will go through the normal Budget process and we expect that Māori and Pacific will be able to access cheaper GP visits next year. This Government is committed to ensuring that more New Zealanders can access primary care.
10. Health Services—Southern Partnership GroupRINO TIRIKATENE (Labour—Te Tai Tonga) to the Minister of HealthHealth Services—Southern Partnership Group10. RINO TIRIKATENE (Labour—Te Tai Tonga) to the Minister of Health: What reports has he received about the Southern Partnership Group?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): I have seen a number of reports on the Southern Partnership Group (SPG) including one in New Zealand's largest independent daily newspaper covering my decision to appoint Pete Hodgson and Stephen Willis to the group. The article notes that Mr Hodgson's attributes will be well deployed dealing with the vagaries of"—Mr SPEAKER: OK the member will now resume his seat and I will remind him of rulings that I've given previously that for primary questions when a member is asked what he has received seeing a newspaper clipping even in an area for which he is responsible is not receiving an official report. He can be asked primary questions only about areas for which he has responsibility or for reports for which he has responsibility and that is not one of them. If the member has actually received a report about the group the member can refer to it but it's not going to be about a newspaper clipping. Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I have received advice in my material prepared for Cabinet that indicated Mr Hodgson was very well-appointed for the role. Rino Tirikatene: Why did the Minister decide to make changes to the Southern Partnership Group?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Strong leadership and local knowledge was needed to get the Dunedin Hospital rebuild on track. Pete Hodgson is a former Minister of Health and understands the complexities of the portfolio. He was also the member of Parliament for Dunedin North for 21 years and has an excellent grasp of the local issues involved. Stephen Willis has a nursing background and is Otago University's chief operating officer and has managed significant health-related capital projects abroad. Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman: Has he received any briefings or advice from the Southern Partnership Group since being sworn in as Minister of Health and prior to the appointment of Pete Hodgson as SPG chair? Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Yes. Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman: How will he ensure that he receives independent advice on the Dunedin Hospital rebuild now that he has sacked the two members of the SPG who provided that perspective and replaced them with his close personal friend and Labour Party hack Pete Hodgson? Mr SPEAKER: No the Minister will resume his seat. Rino Tirikatene: What further reports has he received about the Southern Partnership Group? Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I have received plenty of compliments on the appointment of Pete Hodgson as head of the Southern Partnership Group. Votes of congratulations have come from across the political spectrum including from members of the National Party both former and present."
9. Police Resourcing—RecruitmentCHRIS BISHOP (National—Hutt South) to the Minister of PolicePolice Resourcing—Recruitment9. CHRIS BISHOP (National—Hutt South) to the Minister of Police: Has he received any advice from officials about recruiting 1800 additional police over the next 3 years; if so on what dates did he receive that advice?Hon STUART NASH (Minister of Police): Yes; 30 October 13 November 19 November 20 November 26 November 27 November 3 December 4 December 9 December 10 December 11 December 13 December and at other times informally when there's good news coming through.Chris Bishop: Why did he say The money is there" on 31 October in relation to the 1800 extra police when he admitted in the House yesterday that he doesn't know how much the extra police will cost?Hon STUART NASH: I admitted to no such thing.Chris Bishop: What advice if any did he receive from Nanaia Mahuta that prompted him to back-track on his plan to import foreign police officers to meet his 1800 extra police commitment?Hon STUART NASH: I had fantastic conversations with the Hon Nanaia Mahuta but we agreed that if entirely possible and the commissioner agrees it is we want to recruit a police force that represents the communities they serve—more Māori more Pasifika more Asian more women. This is what our aspirational target for the police service is and we're going to meet it.Greg O'Connor: What advice has the Minister received on the recruitment drive currently under way?Hon STUART NASH: The world's most entertaining recruitment video is truly living up to its name. I'm advised that the video has been viewed more than 6.1 million times since it was launched and it's reached an estimated 14.5 million people. There has been a huge increase in applications particularly diverse applications. As of this morning—where I also received some advice—there were 648 new applications made since the video was launched with interest from over 2000 people who are seriously considering applying. The first ever recruitment day for women was held over the weekend where hundreds of women attended. Chris Bishop: Can he confirm that the extra 1800 police officers that he has committed to will all be sworn officers? Hon STUART NASH: We are currently working through what this 1800 officers is going to look like but what I can tell that member is there are going to be 1800 men and women out there keeping our communities safe and fighting crime. And what I would also say is that if that member wants to campaign for less police be my guest. Mr SPEAKER: I think the member means "fewer" but carry on."