Business Statement

When the House resumes on Tuesday, 20 May, priority will be given to the first readings of the Serious Fraud Office (Abolition and Transitional Provisions) Bill, the Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill, the Copyright (Artists’ Resale Right) Amendment Bill, and the Committee stage of the Summary Offences (Tagging and Graffiti Vandalism) Amendment Bill. Wednesday will be a members’ day, and Thursday, of course, is Budget day.

I wonder whether the Deputy Leader of the House could tell us, in the light of a speech made today by Dr Cullen about tax cuts, whether there will be urgency after the Budget.

The Leader of the House indicated to the Business Committee on Tuesday that he would be giving formal notice of that on Tuesday. Under Standing Order 55 we could have a Thursday evening sitting of the House if that is advised to the committee on Tuesday. That will give us a normal Thursday evening sitting from 7.30 p.m. to 10 p.m., so members should anticipate that.

💬 Hon Bill English: Was that a yes or a no?

I am happy to read the entire Standing Order out to the member, if he wants me to. If the Government advises of that on Tuesday, which the Leader of the House has already indicated he will do, then that will mean that urgency will be taken and there will be legislation for Budget night.