Urgent Debates Declined — Meat Industry—Inspection and Certification of Exports

Honourable members, I have received a letter from the Hon Damien O’Connor seeking to debate under Standing Order 386 a report of a media investigation into the certification and inspection of New Zealand meat exports. For there to be an urgent debate there must be a particular case of recent occurrence that involves the administrative or ministerial responsibility of Government that requires the urgent attention of the House. An urgent debate is a way of holding the Government to account for an action for which it is responsible. There must be distinct ministerial responsibility for the particular case for which the debate is sought. There is no ministerial responsibility for a media investigation or report. Issues of importance may have been raised but a debate cannot be granted on the basis of media allegations or speculation or the absence of actions on the part of the Government. The application is therefore declined.

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I would just like clarification of the issue, because to my knowledge this is the first time that we have had a public admission that seven consignments of meat sent to the US were in fact rejected by US officials. To make matters slightly worse, and that is why I consider we need a debate, officials have been denying that reality. In fact, one of the senior people—

Order! I have heard enough.

💬 Hon Damien O’Connor: —Carol Barnao, at MPI, said—

Order! I have ruled on the matter. There will not be a debate today on this matter. I am happy to further discuss the matter with the member in my office.