Urgent Debates Declined — Child Poverty—Release of Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group Report

Honourable members, I have received a letter from the Hon Lianne Dalziel seeking to address under Standing Order 386 the royal commission report into Canterbury earthquakes. This is a particular case of recent occurrence involving the administrative responsibility of the Government. The test for whether a particular case of recent occurrence requires the immediate attention of the House is a high one. The royal commission’s report is extensive and working through its recommendations will take some time. Although the member’s letter refers to a decision to release a discussion document, this is not authenticated. The purpose of an urgent debate is to hold the Government accountable for its actions. Despite the matter’s obvious importance, I do not think I would be justified in setting aside the business of the House at this time. The application is therefore declined.

I have also received a letter from the Hon Maryan Street seeking to debate under Standing Order 386 the release of the Children’s Commissioner’s expert advisory group’s report Solutions to Child Poverty in New Zealand. This too is a particular case of recent occurrence involving the administrative responsibility of the Government. Although the Government has given its view on one of the recommendations, the report contains 77 others. Working through these will take time. There must be an element of urgency for a matter to take precedence over other business. The application is therefore also declined.