Points of Order — Parliamentary Membership—ACT New Zealand

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I raise what I think is a serious point for the ACT party, and indeed for this House. We would like you to give it your due consideration, perhaps consult with the Business Committee, and report back to us.

You will be aware that the Court of Appeal has recently put down a judgment, which found that the ACT party was wrong to have the belief that: “Our proportionality has been distorted.” But what we find is that you have made a decision that we no longer have nine MPs, as we were elected with; we have eight MPs. So accordingly, our seating has been adjusted for eight members, our parliamentary resourcing has been adjusted for eight members, the number of calls we get in any speaking slot on any bill or at question time is as if we have eight members, and our representation on select committees is as if we have eight members.

We are considering what our response should be in light of this judgment. Although I do not ask for your consideration now, I ask you to consider whether you are correct in assigning us as having only eight MPs in this House, and allocating the proportion accordingly.

I thank the member, and I thank the other member of his party, who raised this issue, for the advice that I received from him. I will give this matter serious consideration and report back as the member has requested.