Urgent Debates Declined — Allegations—Hon David Benson-Pope

I have received two applications under Standing Order 380, one from Rodney Hide on the release of a police report relating to allegations against the Hon David Benson-Pope, and the other from the Hon Bill English in relation to the release of the report by the Controller and Auditor-General into Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. They are both particular cases of recent occurrence involving ministerial and administrative responsibility of the Government. I would have been inclined to accept either one of the applications. The Standing Orders provide that, in these circumstances, the Speaker must determine which is the most urgent and important. I have concluded that given the implications for tertiary institutions, the report into the wānanga is the most important matter and must be given priority in accordance with the Standing Orders.

I therefore accept the application from the Hon Bill English, and I call upon him to move that the House take note of a particular case of recent importance.

I seek leave for both those debates to be held today.

💬 Madam SPEAKER: Leave is sought. Is there any objection? There is objection.