Business Statement

At the end of this week the House will adjourn for one week. During that time it is expected that the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill will be reported back to the House. When the House resumes on Tuesday, 8 September, priority will be given to the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Bill, the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill, the Taxation (International Taxation, Life Insurance, and Remedial Matters) Bill, and the first readings on the Order Paper. Wednesday, 9 September is set down as a members’ day.

I wonder if the Leader of the House could confirm whether it is correct that urgency will be used to progress both the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill and the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Bill, and, furthermore, whether he could confirm to the House or offer to the House the ability for a stand-alone debate within the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill on the issue of Māori representation on that council.

The Government views the passing of both those bills as something that will be considered somewhat urgently by the nation, let alone this House. It remains to be determined exactly how it is progressed through this House, but those bills will be progressed during the next session. As for the stand-alone debate, the members know that there are ways in which he might request that of your good self, Mr Speaker. Therefore, the decision is most certainly out of my hands.