Privilege — New Zealand Security Intelligence Service—Memorandum of Understanding on Collection and Retention of Information on Members of Parliament

In recent years Speakers have entered into a number of agreements that have implications for the House and its members. On 24 March 2004 the House noted a report of the Privileges Committee on its consideration of a draft agreement on policing functions within the parliamentary precincts. Following the Privileges Committee’s report, the Speaker and the Commissioner of Police signed a formal agreement, which was presented to the House on 24 June 2004. The agreement continues until termination, but is required to be reviewed every 3 years and may be amended by mutual agreement of the two parties. A revised agreement was signed on 12 December 2007. A further review is now due.

On 7 November 2006 the Speaker presented to the House a paper setting out interim procedures for the execution of search warrants on premises occupied or used by members of Parliament, and indicated to the House that she would seek to have the Privileges Committee consider it once the police investigation into the activities of Taito Phillip Field and any consequent action were completed. A final order for repayment was made on 3 September 2012, and the proceedings are now at an end.

On 21 December 2010 I entered into a draft memorandum of understanding with the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service on the collection and retention of information on members of Parliament, the need for which arose from a 2009 report from the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, following complaints from members.

All three of these agreements have the potential to raise issues affecting the privileges of the House. Consequently, I have determined that they involve a question of privilege, and therefore the question stands referred to the Privileges Committee.