Urgent Debates Declined — Teachers and Support Staff, Payroll—Management of Novopay System

I have received a letter from Chris Hipkins seeking to debate under Standing Order 386 the decision by the Government to take complete control of Novopay from the owner, Talent2. The Minister’s decision is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. A debate on the findings of the ministerial inquiry into the Novopay school system was held on 4 June last year. The Government has now negotiated a new operating model for the school payroll system, to be implemented in October.

The test for whether a particular case requires the immediate attention of the House is a high one. The House’s business should not be set aside just because a ministerial announcement has been made, even though it may be important. There must be an element of urgency for the matter to take precedence over other business. The payroll system has remained in a steady state over the last 15 months, except for the start of the year pay-rise cycles at the beginning of the year. Further improvements are required, and work will continue on a substantial improvement programme and simplification of the school payroll system. The agreed transition process will occur over time.

The decision today, although significant, does not signal any radical change in education policy. In these circumstances I am not convinced that the matter has again reached a stage where I would be justified in setting aside the business of the House today. The application is therefore declined.