Urgent Debates Declined — Kauri Dieback Disease—Research Funding

I have received a letter from Darien Fenton seeking to debate under Standing Order 386 the release of a report of the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety. The release of the report is a particular case of recent occurrence involving the administrative responsibility of the Government. Although the release of a report may warrant an urgent debate, this must be exceptional, especially when working through a report’s recommendations will take some time. The Minister of Labour has indicated he expects to respond in July. I am, therefore, not convinced that the matter warrants the setting aside of the business of the House today. The application is therefore declined.

I have also received an application from Brendan Horan seeking to debate under Standing Order 386 the funding of kauri dieback disease research. A proposal to discuss a continuing problem such as the funding of research is not one contemplated by Standing Order 386 in that it is not a particular case of recent occurrence. The application is, therefore, also declined.