Points of Order — Earthquake Commission, Minister—Apology to Christchurch Labour MPs

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I raise this point of order to seek your advice. Last week in the House the Hon Amy Adams, on behalf of the Hon Gerry Brownlee, said this: “the Minister unreservedly apologises and will be writing personally to those MPs with his apologies.” He was referring to the Christchurch Labour MPs. I have received an undated, written apology, but my colleagues have not. I seek your assistance in getting Mr Brownlee to—[Interruption]

Order! That is a matter for discussion between those members and the Minister, if they so choose. It is not a relevant point of order.

💬 Hon Trevor Mallard: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker.

Before I hear the Hon Trevor Mallard, I just want to make sure that he is not in any way questioning the decision I have just made regarding the validity of that point of order.

💬 Hon Trevor Mallard: Well, no, I cannot give that undertaking.

Well then, the member had better sit down, because he is questioning my ruling.

💬 Hon Trevor Mallard: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker.

If the member is raising a fresh point of order, I will hear it.

💬 Hon Trevor Mallard: It is a fresh point of order.

And it is not contesting my ruling?

💬 Hon Trevor Mallard: No, Mr Speaker, it is asking you to explain it.

Order! The member will resume his seat. I have said that it is not a valid point of order. The member has had the opportunity of making a political comment. That is not what points of order are for. If those particular members feel aggrieved, they have got every opportunity to take it up with the Minister involved. It is not something that concerns the order of this House.

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. What remedy does a member have when an undertaking to this House has been breached? In the past, if an undertaking has been made to table a document, the Speaker has helped. My question is what remedy does a member have?

I have already explained it to the member, and I do not want to have to do it for a third time. There was no undertaking given. There was certainly a statement made. If members feel aggrieved that they have not been suitably addressed, they should, in the first instance, take it up with the Minister concerned.