Urgent Debates Declined — Pacific Economic Development Agency—Calls for Bids for Funding

I have received a letter from Su’a William Sio seeking to debate under Standing Order 380 the announcement from the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs that a range of organisations will now be asked to bid for the $4.8 million that was specifically earmarked in this year’s Budget for the Pacific Economic Development Agency. The announcement is a particular case of recent occurrence that involves ministerial responsibility. There must, however, be an element of urgency for a matter to take precedence over other business. The announcement today is part of a continuing process. Organisations have been asked to submit tenders, but no final decision has yet been made by the Government. I am not persuaded that the business of the House should be set aside today. The matter is one that can be considered over a longer time frame. The application is therefore declined.