Urgent Debates — Child, Youth and Family Services, Department—Merger with Ministry of Social Development

I have received letters from the Hon Dr Nick Smith and Gordon Copeland seeking an urgent debate under Standing Order 380 on the decision of the Minister of Conservation to decline consent for a marina at Whangamata, and a letter from Judith Collins seeking a debate on the Government’s decision to merge the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services with the Ministry of Social Development. Those are both particular cases of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility, and I agree they are important enough to require the immediate attention of the House.

In these circumstances the Speaker must, under Standing Order 382, give priority to the matter that, in the Speaker’s opinion, is the more urgent and important. In that regard, I note that the decision to merge the departments is to be effected by Order in Council in the next 3 months. On the other hand, the Minister’s decision is effective now, subject to any legal challenge that may be made. I have therefore decided to give priority to the applications relating to the Whangamata marina, as they relate to a decision that is already in force. As Dr Smith’s application was received by me first, I call upon him to move that the House take note of a matter of urgent public importance.

Whangamata Marina—Minister’s Intervention