Business of the House

When the House resumes next week, it is the Government’s intention to complete the remaining stages of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Bill and make progress on other bills on the Order Paper. Wednesday, 24 February is currently set down as a members’ day. As agreed at the Business Committee, Gareth Hughes will make his maiden statement on that day at approximately 5.45 p.m.

The Business Committee also agreed for a new process around members’ bills being drawn from the ballot; I know the Leader of the House sought leave for that process yesterday. If that leave had been sought on Tuesday night we could have had a ballot in order to assist with next Wednesday’s members’ day, for which there are not very many items on the Order Paper. The Leader of the House may be thinking that urgency might be needed so as to use that day as a Government day, because there is not enough work for a members’ day. However, the Opposition would be happy if he wanted to seek leave to have a special ballot called next week, and for any bills that were drawn for a first reading to be set down for the next members’ day, next Wednesday, so it can be a members’ day and enough bills will be available to debate. We would have no problem if he wanted to do that.

That is a very generous offer. I think it is a wise offer, and on that basis I seek leave of the House for there to be a ballot for the members’ day—a one-off incident, because we will get back into a normal cycle—next Tuesday so bills might be available for next Wednesday, although I understand there is enough on the Order Paper for there to be a full members’ day on Wednesday. I thank the member, and I seek that leave.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: Leave is sought for that action. Is there any objection? There is no objection.