Business Statement

When the House resumes on Tuesday, 28 July it is the Government’s intention to take the first readings of the Taxation (Consequential Rate Alignment and Remedial Matters) Bill, the Cluster Munitions (Prohibition) Bill, and the Inquiries Bill, and to make progress on the Road User Charges Amendment Bill and any remaining parts of the Building Amendment Bill (No 2) left over from this week. Wednesday, 29 July is a members’ day, and the third reading of the Port Nicholson Block (Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika) Claims Settlement Bill will be taken on Thursday, 30 July.

Firstly, I thank the Leader of the House for facilitating the maiden statement of David Shearer, the new member for Mt Albert, at 5.45 p.m. on Wednesday, 5 August. I ask the Leader of the House whether there might be an opportunity to debate the Antarctica (Environmental Protection: Liability Annex) Amendment Bill, for which I understand there is broad support in the House.

I agree that there is reasonably broad support for the Antarctica (Environmental Protection: Liability Annex) Amendment Bill, which stands in the name of the Hon Murray McCully. The shadow Leader of the House will also be aware that an event is coming up in the middle of next month that may require all sides of the House to cooperate to enable members to go to celebrations marking the anniversary of the coronation of King Tuheitia. That bill seems to me to be one that might progress on that day in order to facilitate the requirements of all parties in the House.