Urgency

I move, That urgency be accorded the passing of the remaining stages of the Countering Terrorist Fighters Legislation Bill and any bills into which it may be divided. The bill contains proposals that will strengthen the Government’s ability to deal with evolving threats. The legislation contains measures that add to the safety and security of New Zealand in the short term.

It is the Government’s intention that the legislation be passed before the House rises for Christmas so that we are in a stronger position to deal with threats that our agencies are currently seeing. Furthermore, a more comprehensive legislative review of all these settings will occur in a broader intelligence review, which is required under the law by the middle of next year. It is envisaged that a full select committee process will take place at that time. I believe that these are compelling reasons for the House to adopt urgency to pass these measures.