Urgent Debates Declined — Interislander Ferries—Aratere Malfunction

I have received a letter from the Rt Hon Winston Peters seeking to debate under Standing Order 386 the state of the interisland ferry service following the ferry Aratere suffering mechanical problems in Cook Strait last night. The Aratere’s mechanical problem of yesterday is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. However, KiwiRail’s response is ongoing. Surveyors are ascertaining the damage, the remedies, and the time frame for the Aratere resuming service. A Transport Accident Investigation Commission inquiry has also been opened.

The big hurdle to get over in an urgent debate application is whether the matter has reached the stage where the business of the House should be set aside. The test is a high one. Every incident cannot be the basis for a debate, even though, on the face of it, the incident may be significant. I am not convinced that I would be justified in setting aside the business of the House today. The application is therefore declined.