Business Statement

When the House resumes on Tuesday, 26 June the Government intends to hold the combined 3-hour debate on the second readings of the Appropriation (2011/12 Supplementary Estimates) Bill and an Imprest Supply Bill; the debate on the performance and current operations of Crown entities, public organisations, and State enterprises; and the remaining stages of the Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (2012 Expiry and Application Dates) Amendment Bill. All of these measures need to be completed by 30 June 2012. It would also be desirable to make progress on the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill, as voting on Trading Among Farmers takes place on 25 June 2012. The Mixed Ownership Model Bill and first readings on the Order Paper would also be worth progressing ahead of the winter adjournment. Accordingly, as notified to the Business Committee, the Government will move extended hours next Tuesday, or possibly full urgency, depending on the progress this week.

I just want to seek an assurance from the Leader of the House that with regard to leave granted previously in select committees, before they were aware of the extended sitting or urgency, the select committees will not sit using that leave granted in ignorance of what is happening next week—they will not avail themselves of that leave, and, in fact, they will seek it again if, in fact, the House is sitting under extended hours.

The Business Committee was notified on Tuesday that extended hours were likely this coming week, as is required under the Standing Orders.