edithatogo/nz-hansard-corpus huggingface dataset:
Yule LawrenceLAWRENCE YULE (National—Tukituki): Well here we are again just before we go home after the week and I reckon over half the bills that have been put before this Parliament this week are National Party bills. I'm delighted to actually speak to the second reading of this bill—Hon Member: All of them.LAWRENCE YULE: Well I haven't actually done the numbers but it feels like that; if it's more that's great.This bill is a great thing. It increases funding flexibility to tertiary education. But there are two things that I actually want to specifically comment on. One is the number of changes that are being made to support domestic and international students. In some of my previous roles I've seen how that hasn't always been perfect particularly some of the welfare issues out of the actual institutions themselves. So we need to ensure that the right settings are in place to support domestic and international student safety and well-being and to ensure that they receive a consistently high-quality education while in New Zealand. As has been alluded to by my colleague the Hon Tim Macindoe over $4 billion goes into our economy every year.Importantly the second part is how we increase funding flexibility because actually tertiary education has asked for this and I think this is a great way of responding to the request. There will be new conditions placed on funding. It allows less bureaucracy it allows more flexibility and importantly it reduces the compliance burden for tertiary organisations. And it actually provides incentives for them to be innovative and to focus more on students and less on compliance. So in summary with those two things I think this is an important bill. I commend it to the House and I reiterate that it's another National Party bill. Thank you Mr Assistant Speaker.
Stanford Erica; Rurawhe AdrianERICA STANFORD (National—East Coast Bays): I rise to speak to the Education (Tertiary Education and Other Matters) Amendment Bill at its second reading. This is another piece of good National Party legislation another good bill and can I acknowledge my colleague the Hon Paul Goldsmith for his good work in bringing this bill forward. Can I also congratulate the Education and Workforce Committee on their hard work in scrutinising this bill. The committee's changes to this bill have been well documented in the speech earlier by Ms Tracey Martin so I won't go into them in any great detail apart from to talk about the fact that a couple of clauses were removed. I wasn't part of the select committee—I wasn't privy to the discussion—but from what I've seen and what I've read clauses 12 and 13 have been removed.Labour's opposition to privately delivered services has reared its ugly head with the removal of these two clauses that treated public and private providers of tertiary education equally. It treated them equally. The clauses established the principle for providers of tertiary education with similar offerings and similar outcomes for students no matter whether they were public or private providers to receive the same rate of funding. As my learned colleague Mr Tim Macindoe pointed out earlier the education Minister Chris Hipkins has publicly said that private training establishments often do a better job than polytechs. So it's difficult given this to understand why he would now want to disadvantage these private institutions by removing this clause that ensures they receive equal funding to their public counterparts.We can see no reason why this Government has removed this clause from the bill other than pure ideology. Regardless this is a good bill that we broadly support and I commend it to the House.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe): This is a split call—five minutes.
Macindoe TimHon TIM MACINDOE (National—Hamilton West): Kia ora e Te Mana Whakawā. I join with my good colleague the Rt Hon David Carter in congratulating Mr Strange on managing to draw that contribution out for the full 10 minutes. The purpose of this bill has been well articulated by my colleague the Hon Nikki Kaye and some of the Government members who have already spoken so I'm only going to speak very briefly. I am delighted to see another important piece of National Party legislation from the previous Parliament being picked up by the current Government and progressed further through the House.I will just for the benefit of those who may be listening outside the Chamber draw to their attention why it is important for two reasons. One is that international education is currently our fourth-largest export industry—worth today $4.2 billion per annum to our economy. So that is a very very significant contributor to economic growth in this country. And our tertiary education organisations obviously need to remain at the cutting edge of technology and innovation to attract domestic and international students and ensure that they can respond to the changing needs of those students in our labour market. This bill gives them the funding flexibility to do exactly that so it is a very sensible measure which as I say will contribute substantially to further desirable growth.Just quickly may I say how concerned I am that the new Government has decided to remove the equal treatment clause. In fact the current Minister of Education the Hon Chris Hipkins is already on record as saying that private training establishments often do a better job than polytechnics. Now I don't wish to make a comparison between the two but it doesn't make any sense having made that comment that he now wishes to punish those private training providers by removing the clause that ensures they receive equal funding to their public counterparts. We on this side of the House can see no reason for the Government to do that and believe it is purely based in ideological dogma. We hope that they will step back from that retrograde step when we move into the committee stage of consideration of this bill.
Upston LouiseHon LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupō): I am pleased to stand in support of a piece of legislation that was originally introduced by National when we were in office. I do want to just point out one particular issue that was very disappointing—another ideological issue that the current Government have taken issue with. It's kind of interesting that the Minister Chris Hipkins has publicly stated that private training establishments often do a better job than polytechs but at the last minute has decided not to put them on a level playing field. Speaking of level playing fields this House is far from that. And so I choose not to use the rest of my time to speak in this House today.
Resignations — Rt Hon Bill English National
Visitors — Iran—Agriculture Water and Natural Resources Committee Delegation
Lees-Galloway IainHon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Deputy Leader of the House): This Government has a comprehensive and ambitious programme and the member can look forward to debating many many Government bills in the future. [Interruption] SPEAKER: Order!Hon Kris Faafoi: Won't be going home early.SPEAKER: Was that a request Mr Faafoi?
Ross Jami-LeeJAMI-LEE ROSS (Senior Whip—National): That all sounds very busy but I wonder if the acting Leader of the House can tell us if we're likely to see more legislation introduced—or are there going to be Government filibusters on things like instructions and National Party - written bills all next week as well?
Lees-Galloway IainBUSINESS STATEMENTHon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Deputy Leader of the House): Next week the House will consider the remaining stages of the Education (Tertiary Education and Other Matters) Amendment Bill the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2017-18 Employment and Investment Income and Remedial Matters) Bill the Customs and Excise Bill and the first reading of the Health (National Cervical Screening Programme) Amendment Bill. On Tuesday 27 February as agreed by the Business Committee there will be a debate on the report of the Commerce Committee on the Marrakesh VIP Treaty. On Wednesday 28 February the House will consider the report of the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the Budget Policy Statement and will debate the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. The Rt Hon Bill English will make his valedictory statement at 4 p.m. on Thursday 1 March.
Mallard TrevorRESIGNATIONSRt Hon Bill English NationalSPEAKER: I wish to advise the House that I have received a letter from the Rt Hon Bill English resigning his seat in the House with effect from Tuesday 13 March 2018.
Mallard TrevorTHURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2018The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.VISITORSIran—Agriculture Water and Natural Resources Committee DelegationSPEAKER: I am sure that members would wish to welcome delegates from the Agriculture Water and Natural Resources Committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Parliament led by vice-chairman Mr Ali Akbari who are present in the gallery.
Thursday 15 February 2018 - Volume 727
Education Amendment Bill — First Reading (continued)
VoteA party vote was called for on the question That the Education Amendment 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. Bill referred to the Education and Workforce Committee.
10. Tax System—Brightline Test ExtensionRAYMOND HUO (Labour) to the Minister of RevenueTax System—Brightline Test Extension10. RAYMOND HUO (Labour) to the Minister of Revenue: What measure has he recently announced to address property speculation?Hon STUART NASH (Minister of Revenue): Today I tabled a Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2017-18 Employment and Investment Income and Remedial Matters) Bill to extend the brightline test on residential property sales from two years to five years. The extension means that profits from non - owner-occupied residential property investments that are bought and sold within five years will generally be taxable. The same exemptions that apply for the two-year test will remain unchanged. This SOP gives effect to the changes that were clearly signalled before and after the election.Raymond Huo: Why does the Government believe the extension of the brightline test will address property speculation?Hon STUART NASH: The proposal will ensure that residential property speculators pay income tax on their gains and makes property speculation less attractive.Raymond Huo: How will extending the brightline help to bring fairness back into the tax system?Hon STUART NASH: These changes will go some way towards rebalancing the tax system so that speculators who profit from the sale of property have the same tax responsibility as other types of investment and income.
7. State Services—Oversight of Pay for Chief ExecutivesVIRGINIA ANDERSEN (Labour) to the Minister of State ServicesState Services—Oversight of Pay for Chief Executives7. VIRGINIA ANDERSEN (Labour) to the Minister of State Services: What is the Government doing to bolster the public's trust and confidence in Crown entities?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of State Services): Today Parliament will debate the new bill that I've introduced to provide stronger oversight of pay for chief executives. Boards of statutory Crown entities will under the law change proposed need to obtain the State Services Commissioner's written consent to the terms and conditions of employment for a chief executive. This change responds to the Government's concern that pay increases at the top of the Public Service are out of step with public expectations.Virginia Andersen: Why was this change needed?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: In some cases Crown entity boards have not met either the State Services Commissioner's or the Minister's guidance. This bill will address those cases in particular by giving the remuneration system more teeth. There are good reasons why State services pay is lower than in the private sector equivalents and there should be some consistency within and across the wider public sector.
6. Government Tree-planting Programme—StatementsHon Dr NICK SMITH (National—Nelson) to the Minister of ForestryGovernment Tree-planting Programme—Statements6. Hon Dr NICK SMITH (National—Nelson) to the Minister of Forestry: How much land has been secured for the Speech from the Throne initiative of a new planting programme planting 100 million trees a year to reach a billion more trees in ten years"?Hon SHANE JONES (Minister of Forestry): In response to the question nigh on 12500 hectares has been secured to proceed with the planting programme this year.Hon Dr Nick Smith: Does he stand by his statement on The AM Show on 19 January that "Fifty-five million trees will be planted this year." which is no more than the restocking of existing areas being harvested and is he aware that this is actually a reduction on the 62 million trees that were reported by his ministry as planted last year?Hon SHANE JONES: There will be likely 10.5 million trees planted in the upcoming season. He has obviously misconstrued what I said on The AM Show.Hon Dr Nick Smith: Does he stand by his statement in the same interview that undeveloped Māori land is going to be very difficult to access for forestry planting because of the bureaucracy of Māori land law and hasn't the Government shot itself in the foot by cancelling National's reforms that address these very problems?Hon SHANE JONES: I am a victim of my own success after that interview. The Crown is now engaging with Māori land owners and other categories of landowners and the size of the land package reflective of that engagement is now up to 30000 hectares. When one adds the nigh on 12000 hectares that we have already secured and in the event that the 30000 is successful I am but a small step away from 50000 hectares.Hon Dr Nick Smith: What does his statement and I quote "Officials realise they have to find surplus land to avoid becoming redundant." mean for the Director-General of Conservation who told the Environment Committee this morning that they had very little suitable Department of Conservation (DOC) land for his billion-tree planting programme?Hon SHANE JONES: I have never once spoken to that individual running DOC. Talk to another Minister about his fortunes.Hon Dr Nick Smith: Does he agree with the Green Party conservation Minister that only native trees will be allowed to be planted on conservation land?Hon SHANE JONES: If one goes back to the Prime Minister's speech it is quite clear that the planting programme will comprise native trees as well as exotic. The percentage and the mix of trees that might be grown on the DOC estate has yet to be settled."
3. Charter Schools—Māori EducationHon NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) to the Associate Minister of Education (Māori Education)Charter Schools—Māori Education3. Hon NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) to the Associate Minister of Education (Māori Education): What discussions and visits has he had with schools to discuss Māori education and any opportunities for improved achievement?Hon KELVIN DAVIS (Associate Minister of Education (Māori Education)): I've visited schools and have had many discussions as both Associate Minister of Education and as the local MP for Te Tai Tokerau. We are working on ways to improve achievement including removing national standards and increasing the supply of Māori and Te Reo teachers.Hon Nikki Kaye: Has he made any undertakings to a partnership school helping young Māori that he would ensure that their school would be approved as a special character school?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: No. Hon Nikki Kaye: When he said in relation to a discussion about Māori education I've been working closely with He Puna Marama Trust and the CEO and the senior management there and we're very confident that together we'll make sure this transition happens very easily with very little fuss." was he speaking to this partnership school in his capacity as a Minister? Hon KELVIN DAVIS: No. And when I was speaking to them I talked them through the information that the Minister has made publicly available to allay the fears of the scaremongering and misinformation that the Opposition has been bandying around.Hon Nikki Kaye: When he said yesterday in Parliament in relation to Māori education "I've had communications with some current charter schools." has he had any communications with partnership schools that are not in his electorate; if so which ones?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: No.Hon Nikki Kaye: Can he confirm that when he said yesterday that he'd had discussions with charter schools in his electorate that he has given preferential treatment to some partnership schools in his electorate but the cold shoulder to others?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: The premise is just wrong.Hon Nikki Kaye: Isn't it true that he made himself available to discuss education impacting young Māori with He Puna Mārama but when Villa Education Trust in his electorate sent him 50 pieces of correspondence the only thing they got back was being asked to be taken off their mailing list?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: I have absolutely no idea what the member is talking about.Hon Tracey Martin: Can the Minister confirm or is he aware of other Associate Ministers of Education who have had interaction with the sponsors of Villa schools or conversations with chief executives of charter schools such as Vanguard—among the other Associate Ministers of Education?SPEAKER: No that's actually not a matter that is the Minister's responsibility."
Little Andrew; Rurawhe AdrianSTATE SECTOR AND CROWN ENTITIES REFORM BILLFirst ReadingHon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Justice) on behalf of the Minister of State Services: I move That the State Sector and Crown Entities Reform Bill be now read a first time. I nominate the Governance and Administration Committee to consider the bill. This is an omnibus bill that has two parts. Part 1 amends the Crown Entities Act 2004—ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe): I'm sorry to interrupt the member but this debate is interrupted and set down for next sitting day. The House stands adjourned until 2 p.m on Tuesday 20 February 2018. Tēnā tātou katoa. Debate interrupted.The House adjourned at 6 p.m.
Tinetti JanJAN TINETTI (Labour): This is a great day for public education. For quality public education in this country this is the best day because today we are righting an attack that was made on our public education system which started with a false crisis in education that was constructed by the previous Government to bring in their ideological policies back in 2008.Why when we were one of the most high-performing systems in the world were we then landed with problems—and they were problems to those of us that worked in the sector—such as national standards? But then when we got charter schools—you know what? I think it was about the distraction the politics of distraction. One of the previous Government's greatest educationalists who they quoted a lot Professor John Hattie talks about the politics of distraction. Distraction #1: appease the parents" and that's what we've heard here a lot in the House today—appeasing the parents. But they weren't my parents. My parents in my school hated national standards. They couldn't stand them. They didn't understand them. Even when we would have sessions on them they didn't cope with them. The previous Government listened to their parents who are their voting base. John Hattie says parents have the power for the Government that's in charge at the time because they not the students are the voters. They were being reactionary to their voters. To charter schools that was his "Distraction #4: fix the schools". "It is ironic that a popular solution to claims about 'failing schools' is to invent new forms of schools"—to privatise. This was a way to break down the public education system. This wasn't about a good education decision; this was about breaking down that education system and that simply isn't good enough. That is why this is such a great day in education because we are restoring public education once again in this country and it is very exciting. So on that note I commend this bill to the House."
Lubeck Marja; Rurawhe AdrianMARJA LUBECK (Labour): Tēnā koe Mr Assistant Speaker and thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Education Amendment Bill 2018. This bill amends the Education Act 1989 and unlike the member of the Green Party who spoke previously I remember that year vividly as it was the year I came to New Zealand and was lucky enough to make a new home—but back to the bill. These changes regarding national standards and charter schools have been well traversed and the members on this side of the House have eloquently pointed out that this Government's focus is actually on students' progress across the curriculum rather than that very narrow focus on literacy and numeracy that doesn't give us an accurate understanding of how our kids are doing. In fact as a mother of a young boy at college I've never needed national standards to be briefed on how my boy was doing. I completely agree with the Minister of Education's statements with regard to less testing more teaching which is in the best interests of our kids and our teachers.I'd just like to mention one point that is also in this bill that is really important and hasn't been mentioned a lot as yet. It is restoring guaranteed places for staff and students on the councils of their tertiary education providers. By doing so it restores trust in democracy. It is very much like the changes we're making through the other bill the Education (Teaching Council of Aotearoa) Amendment Bill. That gives teachers the right to choose their own representatives from amongst their peers and this bill does exactly the same. It guarantees one elected member of permanent staff and one elected student on the council. So once again this Government is righting the wrongs of the previous Government because the previous changes were made when all universities were completely against those changes. This is a Government that actually respects people's democratic rights sets our children up for success in school and in life and is not afraid to make changes to reflect that. I support this bill and commend it to the House.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe): I call David Seymour—a five-minute call.
Rurawhe AdrianEDUCATION AMENDMENT BILLFirst ReadingDebate resumed.ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe): I call Jamie Strange—a five-minute call.
Jackson Willie; Rurawhe AdrianAMENDED ANSWERS TO ORAL QUESTIONSQuestion No. 12 to MinisterHon WILLIE JACKSON (Minister of Employment): I'm seeking leave to make a personal explanation in regard to an earlier answer I gave in response to oral question No. 12 today. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe): I just apologise. I thought you were seeking the call in the first reading of the bill. You didn't say it was a point of order at the beginning. So we'll take that as being a point of order and I'll put the leave the House. Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is none. Hon WILLIE JACKSON (Minister of Employment): Kia ora Mr Assistant Speaker. I referred earlier today to the roll-out of the employment strategy. I would like to clarify for the record that what I was referring to is the He Poutama Rangatahi initiative to address youth employment. Kia ora. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe): Thank you.
Education Amendment Bill — First Reading
Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill (No 2) — Third Reading
Yule LawrenceLAWRENCE YULE (National—Tukituki): I rise to take a short call on the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill (No 2). I understand that actually this is a bill to deal with the South Island under a relatively urgent time frame but I want to acknowledge the confusion that exists on the other side of the House. The Hon Meka Whaitiri said that it wasn't possible to have this done because this had to be done by 28 February which is actually not true. The date is 28 May that the provisions run out and I question why we went into urgency. And then last night the party across the House from us in Government filibustered its own bill; yet the same party with the agreement of the House two days before Christmas could actually put through the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Bill run a select committee process and travel the country to make that happen.The big problem here is this Government seems to have a lackadaisical approach to how it engages with the public. You see I think actually there is going to be a good review come out of this. But most dairy farmers—or certainly the industry body—would've liked the opportunity to actually talk to the select committee even for a couple of days about this piece of legislation.We also saw it from this Government about foreign investment. There was originally a time frame for submissions closing on foreign investment in the middle of January when everybody was away. So actually it is sort of inconsistent with this Government in how it deals with public input and that's my biggest concern. Because I think there will be a lot of input from the 105 people that submitted to this bill when it was considered previously.We have no terms of reference and I actually think the industry body and significant players in this industry would've benefited from some time before the select committee. It still could've got back here in time—by 28 May. And in my short time in this House I've seen no real reason why this bill was considered under urgency and then filibustered by the same party that asked for that permission. I actually think it's an abuse of our time and this power. Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker.
Falloon AndrewANDREW FALLOON (National—Rangitata): Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. It's a pleasure to be taking my third call in as many days on the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill (No 2). I just wanted to touch on two aspects that came up during debate in previous stages. The first one is in respect of the environmental impact and this is something that's been canvassed by a number of speakers over recent days and the first part of it is in relation to the review that is being kicked off as a result of the passage of this bill.I hope that review touches on some of the many things that our farmers are doing to improve the environment around them. It's things like riparian planting substantial fencing of waterways and changing feed to reduce carbon emissions. I also hope that it covers off on the economic impact and I've spoken previously about the enormous impact that the dairy industry has in South Canterbury particularly around Temuka with the Clandeboye plant. Just recently they've employed another 100 people as part of their third extension of their mozzarella plant and now employ a thousand people in my electorate.But I also wanted to mention the impact in mid-Canterbury and I can't go much better than quoting one of my local farmers David Clark. He says I live in a district whose main town has virtually the lowest unemployment in New Zealand. We have a vibrant multi-cultural community that offers a wide range of employment opportunities and a very high level of community facilities. … Ashburton is a town that has been transformed in the last 25 years; this is a town that has been transformed by the development of irrigation both in arable and dairying land uses. … This is a town where professionals view their income earning potential as better than in large cities a town that offers an unemployment rate equal to the lowest in the country." That is the impact of the dairy industry in my region of mid- and South Canterbury. We on this side of the House support it and we want to see it continue to grow. Thank you."
Carter DavidRt Hon DAVID CARTER (National): Madam Deputy Speaker thank you. Can I acknowledge the contribution from Jenny Marcroft on behalf of Mark Patterson. I know why he's not here. His father was a wonderful man that I knew for 40 years. He was an extremely capable farmer. He was a breeder of Simmental stud cattle. He was a poet. He was a tremendous bagpiper. He made a huge contribution to the Leeston-Southbridge community and he will be greatly missed.The Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill (No 2) of course I fully support. I would of course also add that the critical process by which it's been introduced into the House has been nothing short of shambolic. To put the House into urgency is a call the Leader of the House must make and it should be done when it's necessary to do so. To put the House into urgency after question time on Tuesday and then to break urgency that night to bring it back the following day and to have the Government filibustering its own legislation shows that the Government needs to concentrate on its own legislative programme.I've been here for quite a few years and I don't recall a time where we've seen a change of Government and a Government coming in that should have had nine years to be ready to go with a 100-day plan that required legislation and find that we get into the situation as we did before Christmas and again yesterday whereby the Government is filibustering its own legislation. It is nothing short of a shambles and the Hon Chris Hipkins as Leader of the House should have a look at his own performance in that regard.The Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill (No 2) is totally necessary. I've listened a lot to the commentary around the review being held by the Government into the industry. It would be helpful if the terms of reference for that review could be made known as soon as possible so we could understand the extent to which the Government's going to look at issues beyond normal dairy industry restructuring such as some of the environmental changes that may be pushed by a Labour - New Zealand First - Green Government.This is a piece of legislation that was necessary to pass quickly—I fully accept that. But the fact that we went into urgency came out of urgency and then wasted most of yesterday having a Government filibustering its own legislation—it's time this Government got its act together with a legislative programme and stopped relying on the legislation on the Order Paper that was presented to it by the previous National-led Government.
Kuriger BarbaraBARBARA KURIGER (National—Taranaki - King Country): Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. It's been an interesting week discussing this piece of legislation in the House. I will say that one really positive thing is that I've heard a lot of good commentary about the dairy industry this week and it was really invigorating in the House here the other night with the debate. I am just a little bit bemused with the whole conversation around urgency. Yesterday during the committee stage—13 Government speeches and two closure motions later—it finally got through the committee stage so the sense of urgency all of a sudden started to go on and on and on. A lot has been said during the course of this week but I think there's one thing that I'm really keen to find out around this piece of legislation. I know we're making a timing change here but I'm really concerned that the terms of reference become clear as soon as possible. I am rather confused. There's already been a review done. This is a completely commercial piece of legislation. The Dairy Industry Restructuring Act was based around commercial realities and competition and the question has been asked around what else is going to go into the terms of reference. I know that dairy farmers made a commitment to this piece of legislation which was around some terms of commercial reality that they feel they've met. So I would ask that as soon as possible we get fair terms of reference. I would also suggest that the 105 submitters that came in and put submissions into the last review that was done only two years ago are probably going to be the same set of submitters. It seems to me a long-winded process to do this with some information that is already available. So I will ask this Government to be upfront with the industry and lay it out as soon as possible. Please let's not drag this on so that the dairy farmers of New Zealand can get on with it. Thank you.
Tabling of Documents — Correspondence—Urgent Debate Application
Seymour David; Mallard TrevorTABLING OF DOCUMENTSUrgent Debate Application—CorrespondenceDAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT): I seek leave of the House to table correspondence between your and my offices so that members might better understand some of the reasons used to decline an urgent debate application.SPEAKER: The member seeks leave to table some correspondence. Is there any objection to that process? There appears to be none. It can be tabled.Documents by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Peters WinstonQuestion No. 2 to MinisterRt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Deputy Prime Minister): Earlier today in question No. 2 in the House I was challenged by the Opposition as to a transcript's veracity of 13 February. I have it here now and I wish to table it because of the challenge that happened in this House.SPEAKER: The Deputy Prime Minister seeks leave to table a document. Is there any objection to that? There appears to be none.Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.
Curran ClareHon CLARE CURRAN (Minister of Broadcasting Communications and Digital Media): Thank you Mr Speaker. Point of order—SPEAKER: Speaking to the point of order.Hon CLARE CURRAN: —speaking to the point of order—number one the speech was relevant to the bill. Number two it was highly unusual practice. It was a confronting practice that in my nine years in this House I've never experienced before and I think it's very unusual and I do ask the Speaker to consider making a ruling.SPEAKER: I have the advantage of having viewed the incident on television. I will say to the Rt Hon David Carter that he is aware that questions of relevance are matters for the chair and are not matters for stunts even if the member was attempting to be helpful. So I think he was not helpful. But the main point I'd make to the Hon Chris Hipkins is that the matter was dealt with quite properly by the Chair at the time—very well by the Chair at the time—and if there was any objection to the Chair's ruling then it should've been taken up immediately and it was not.
Carter DavidRt Hon DAVID CARTER (National): I thank you Mr Speaker. During the debate it was developing into a very very wide-ranging debate. I raised that with Madam Chair Williams at the time. She allowed such a wide-ranging debate to continue. When the member in question took her speech she was not referring to the legislation. Attempting to be a very helpful member to this House so that we could have a debate that was focusing on the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill (No 2)—in no threatening fashion at all but in an attempt to be absolutely helpful—I just passed a copy of the bill to her for her information.
Hipkins ChrisPOINTS OF ORDERMembers—Conduct in Chamber Moving About the ChamberHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. During the Hon Clare Curran's speech on the committee stage of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill (No 2) yesterday the Rt Hon David Carter walked across the floor stood in front of her and dropped a copy of the bill on her desk. His point was that the speech that she was delivering was not relevant to the content of the bill. [Interruption] There's no relevant—SPEAKER: Order! Which member interjected then? Someone over here interjected—right. Mr Bennett will stand withdraw and apologise.Hon David Bennett: I withdraw and apologise.SPEAKER: I just want to really emphasise that this is an important point of order and all points of order are heard in silence.Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: There's no specific Standing Order or Speaker's ruling about walking across the Chamber to distract a member or interrupt their speech which does reflect it's a somewhat unusual practice. There are however numerous rulings about interrupting a debate—including for example Speakers' rulings 59/1 and 59/2 which forbid interjections while standing or changing seats to make an interjection. If those practices are out of order I would argue to you that walking across the Chamber in such a fashion should also be deemed to be out of order and I'd ask you to give consideration to making such a ruling.
Parker David; Mallard TrevorHon DAVID PARKER (Attorney-General): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. My understanding is that the Standing Orders prevent mention of the absence of a member not a party. SPEAKER: My view is that the member is trifling with the Chair and he will stand and withdraw. Hon DAVID PARKER (Attorney-General): I withdraw.
Brownlee GerryHon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. As you know it's not appropriate for anybody let alone the Leader of the House to refer to others' commitments that take them away from the House. [Interruption] SPEAKER: Order! This is a point of order. If Government members want to stay in the House they'll hear it in silence. Well it might be a point of order. Hon GERRY BROWNLEE: Are we two up yet?SPEAKER: No. We haven't had question time yet.Hon GERRY BROWNLEE: The real point here is that the question was a genuine one. Will the Government be moving to prevent progress on bills as they did last night on a bill that they had earlier in the week required the House to take urgency to pass?Hon David Parker: Point of order.SPEAKER: Well there can't be a point of order until I've ruled all right? The member David Parker might have another one afterwards. We have not hit question time yet. At question time some rules around answers apply but I think if the member Gerry Brownlee applies his memory back not too far there were a number of occasions where he has set precedents in answers of a similar type that were not that helpful.
Hipkins ChrisHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): I do understand that the National Party didn't bother to show up in the House last night and there were very few contributions from the National members. I'm somewhat surprised but given the other distractions they're dealing with at the moment I guess maybe I shouldn't be.
Brownlee GerryHon GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam): I wonder if the Leader of the House can indicate to us just how many of the bills he's just mentioned will suffer the same treatment as the bill in the House last night the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill (No 2) which saw the Government voting against a closure motion and therefore its progress.
Hipkins ChrisTHURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2018The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Karakia.BUSINESS STATEMENTHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House): Thank you Mr Speaker. On Tuesday 20 February the House will consider the first readings of the State Sector and Crown Entities Reform Bill the Families Commission Act Repeal Bill the Commerce (Criminalisation of Cartels) Amendment Bill and the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Amendment Bill. Wednesday 21 February will be a members' day. On Thursday 22 February the Food Safety Law Reform Bill will receive its third reading.
Wednesday 14 February 2018 - Volume 727
Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill (No 2) — In Committee
VoteIAN McKELVIE (National—Rangitīkei): I move That the question be now put.A party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.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.
VoteRt Hon DAVID CARTER (National): I move That the question be now put.A party vote was called for on the question That the question be now put.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.
10. Migrant Worker Exploitation—Government MeasuresMARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister for Workplace Relations and SafetyMigrant Worker Exploitation—Government Measures10. MARJA LUBECK (Labour) to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: What actions has the Government taken recently to tackle migrant worker exploitation?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety): The Government is working on a number of fronts to tackle migrant exploitation. Recently a couple who owned an Auckland-based restaurant were sentenced on charges relating to exploitation of their workers resulting in 26 months' imprisonment for one and eight months' home detention for the other. This is the first custodial sentence for migrant exploitation in New Zealand sending a strong message that migrant exploitation will not be tolerated.Marja Lubeck: What are the Government's further plans to address migrant worker exploitation?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: I note that of the labour inspectorate's investigations of the current financial year more than half involve migrant workers. That's why we are committed to increasing the resourcing for and doubling the number of labour inspectors. We will soon initiate an inquiry into migrant exploitation and we are working on a number of fronts to stamp out the shameful exploitation of international students.Marja Lubeck: And why is the Government tackling migrant worker exploitation?Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: Exploitation is a source of human misery and is simply not acceptable in New Zealand. We need to be known as a nation that upholds workers' rights and a great place for migrants to live and work. The good employers should not be undermined by rogues who exploit their workers.
8. Health Services—National Bowel Screening ProgrammeHon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (National—Northcote) to the Minister of HealthHealth Services—National Bowel Screening Programme8. Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (National—Northcote) to the Minister of Health: What are his priorities in the Health portfolio?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): Better health for New Zealanders.Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman: Why did he wait until yesterday to announce a review of the National Bowel Screening Programme over three months after he had signed a briefing dated 3 November entitled Bowel screening pilot's incorrect withdrawal of eligible people?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Since I received notification that there had been issues with the pilot at Waitematā—something the previous Minister had been made aware of that could have affected life outcomes for people—I have requested information repetitively from the Ministry of Health to ensure we could be sure on behalf of the public that the programme was going to be delivered as stated by the previous Government. As the evidence has emerged it's become clear to me that the pilot has thrown up a number of lessons: that already there have been delays signalled and that the previous Government had failed to plan adequately for the correct roll-out of this very important programme. I have decided to act. I have decided to seek an independent review so that New Zealanders can be assured that this very important service will be rolled out as they would expect.Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman: I seek leave to table a briefing to the Minister dated 3 November entitled Bowel screening pilot's incorrect withdrawal of eligible people. SPEAKER: I want to seek the assurance that that's not one of the documents that's been released under the proactive release policy that some Ministers are using.Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I'm not certain. I'm happy for it to be tabled.SPEAKER: Is there any objection to the document being tabled? There appears to be none.Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman: Why yesterday did he tell the House in relation to a story on bowel screening funding that the Taranaki Daily News had printed a retraction because they misquoted me" when the newspaper has stated today that no retraction was printed?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I think I stated in the House yesterday that I had been advised that a retraction had been printed. It was an incorrect quotation and I stand by that.Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman: What assurance can he give that the three-month delay between signing the 4 November briefing warning of an issue with the pilot and announcing a review of the programme yesterday will not result in patients dying from bowel cancer?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I am expecting that there will be no further delays. I'm hoping there will be no further delays. Unfortunately I cannot be held responsible for the abysmal lack of planning under the previous Government's watch."
7. Families Package—MeasuresJO LUXTON (Labour) to the Minister for Social DevelopmentFamilies Package—Measures7. JO LUXTON (Labour) to the Minister for Social Development: Will the Families Package address the challenges faced by many families of growing living costs and food poverty as highlighted in the Salvation Army's State of the Nation Report released today?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development): Yes the Government's Families Package is designed to directly address the challenges faced by low-income New Zealanders. It increases the incomes of thousands of Kiwi families facing rising living costs and food instability in particular by increasing the accommodation supplement and changes to Working for Families. Together these initiatives will support families struggling to get by.Jo Luxton: What specific measures will the Families Package deliver to ensure families can meet rising living costs?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Rising house prices and rents are a major driver of hardship as highlighted in the State of the Nation Report. Our Families Package will provide targeted assistance to help address this. It includes increases to the accommodation supplement and accommodation benefit which mean that 135000 families will gain an average of $35 per week. This increase sits alongside this Government's other commitments to building more affordable homes expanding the social housing stock and making New Zealand homes warmer and drier.Jo Luxton: What other living costs will the Families Package help New Zealanders to meet?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Winter can be really hard on the health of our elderly and children. As part of our Families Package our winter energy payment will help superannuitants and beneficiaries to afford the heating they need to keep themselves warm and healthy. When fully implemented a single person receiving superannuation or who is on a benefit with no dependent children will receive $450 and couples and singles with children will receive an additional $700 over a five-month period.