Points of Order — Establishment of Body to Review Expenses and Allowances of MPs—Leave to Move Motion Without Notice

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I seek leave to move a motion without notice or debate to call on the Speaker to establish an independent body to review and determine MPs’ expenses and allowances.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: Leave is sought for that course of action. Is there any objection? There is objection.

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. This is not strictly, perhaps, a point of order. I ask your indulgence to simply explain that declining leave to move the motion simply recognises that all party leaders have so far expressed confidence in your ability to move this issue forward—

💬 Metiria Turei: Point of order.

—and I think that is where it should most appropriately be left.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: The member should have been aware that a point of order was being heard, and she cannot interrupt that.

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. In fact, the member of Parliament stood up and expressly said that what he was about to say was not a point of order, yet you allowed him to continue. So, indeed, I did not interrupt a point of order, because a point of order was not sought.

I tend to agree with the member, and I wonder whether, in fact, seeing that it was not a point of order, the member could make it clear whether it was, in fact, a ministerial statement and whether in fact that leads to other comments.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: I have heard sufficient. The Speaker judges when he will hear points of order or not; he chose on that occasion to hear what the Leader of the House had to say.

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. We were prepared to hear the honourable Leader of the House on that point of order. I wonder whether you could share your ruling on his point of order with the Chamber.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: I am afraid I failed to understand what the member’s point was.

My question is to the Minister of Finance and reads—

💬 Hon Trevor Mallard: Hekia is behind him!

💬 CRAIG FOSS: The member may know I am behind—

💬 Mr SPEAKER: The member will resume his seat. I request the House to please take a deep breath and to settle down a little. There is no need for this.