Security Information in Proceedings Bill, Security Information in Proceedings (Repeals and Amendments) Bill

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise to take a very short call on this bill, which is a part of a suite of changes that is really a response to what happened in the terrible attack in Christchurch on the mosques. That led to people really reviewing the situation, and there were gaps identified.

One of the things that has been done as a result is this piece of legislation, where there is a real thought that’s gone around how we balance the interests of people involved in these situations and our security interests, both of which are valued and important. I commend this bill to the House.

Tēnā koe, Mr Speaker. It’s a pleasure to speak on the Security Information in Proceedings Bill and the Security Information in Proceedings (Repeals and Amendments) Bill. It’s a short call from me, because this bill is a good one. It’s about creating a more workable and coherent approach to the use of national security information in court proceedings and administrative decisions. While that sounds technical, as part of the Justice Committee that considered this bill before this third reading today, it was a real privilege to delve into some of the important constitutional matters such as the fundamental rights of people to open justice and a fair trial, the respective roles of the judiciary and the executive, and protecting national security, as well as the principles of open government and democratic accountability that this bill is about. I think the Minister has done a good job at landing the balance in all of those issues quite suitably, and so I commend this bill to the House.

This is quality legislation. What’s said has been said, and this is the third reading so it’s about to move on towards the Royal assent. I commend this bill to the House.

Ian McKelvie—that was lucky.

I was so slow, I got usurped. Just a very short call on this bill, which is, contrary to some of the legislation that comes through this House, a pretty sensible piece of legislation.

I’ve been sitting here between a lawyer and an ex-policeman, and, as a farmer, I take very good advice from both of them. Consequently, they’ve told me this is a very good bill, it needs supporting, and I commend it and support it as it goes through the House.

The question is that the motion be agreed to. Those of that opinion will say Aye; to the contrary, No. The Ayes have it.

Point of order, e te Māngai. I voted incorrectly in that last one and I ask if we could do that again.

Yeah, OK. Is there leave granted to change the vote? No one is objecting—no objections. Thank you. Yeah, did you want to change the party vote?

Yes, please. I’d like to register on behalf of the Green Party of Aotearoa, 10 votes opposed.