Urgency

I move, That urgency be accorded the introduction and passing of the Taxation (Annual Rates and Budget Measures) Bill and the passing through all its stages of the Taxation (Canterbury Earthquake Measures) Bill. The Government has read the Budget today—

💬 Hon David Cunliffe: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I cannot yet see the taxation bill on the Table in front of me.

The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson): I have been advised that it has not yet been introduced.

💬 Hon David Cunliffe: Can we have notice from the Minister as to how far away that will be?

The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson): The Minister has to give reasons now for putting the House into urgency. I expect him to do that during his motion, but this is not a debate.

It is not a debate, but when urgency is taken and the Government is introducing bills, once urgency is agreed to by the House, the bills are introduced and, therefore, are made available. That has been the case for some decades and I would have thought members who had been here for a while would know that.

In introducing the Budget this afternoon, some measures were outlined in it relating to changes to Working for Families and the KiwiSaver scheme. It is important that New Zealanders know exactly what the intentions are of this Government, so that they have an opportunity to make choices. Further, when it comes to the disaster in Canterbury, an extraordinary amount of generosity was extended by a number of firms throughout New Zealand, as well as, of course, many people who live in Canterbury, that could, in fact, put them in an uncertain tax position. The second bill is designed to ensure that that tax status is made very, very clear.