Urgent Debates Declined — Rugby World Cup Opening—Overcrowding and Transport Issues

I have received a letter from the Leader of the Opposition seeking to debate under Standing Order 380 the planning, ministerial oversight, and performance of the Auckland transport network, and other factors that contributed to the chaos in downtown Auckland ahead of the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony on Friday, 9 September 2011.

I accept that the performance of the Auckland transport network and the events that contributed to chaos in downtown Auckland ahead of the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony are a particular case of recent occurrence that could require the immediate attention of the House. For there to be an urgent debate, however, there must be administrative or ministerial responsibility for the case of recent occurrence. The concept of ministerial responsibility for a matter qualifying for an urgent debate is narrower than it is in respect of questions for oral answer, which encompass any matter relating to public affairs with which the Minister has an official connection under Standing Order 369(a).

The fact that questions have been addressed to Ministers about the matter does not necessarily mean that it involves ministerial responsibility on which an urgent debate can be founded. An urgent debate is a way of holding the Government accountable for an action for which it is responsible. There must be distinct governmental responsibility for the particular case which it is sought to debate. The matter does not give grounds for an urgent debate under Standing Order 380. The application is, therefore, declined.