Urgent Debates Declined — Corrections, Department—Assaults on Prison Staff at Pāremoremo

I have received a letter from Mahesh Bindra seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the assault on three Corrections staff at Pāremoremo prison. This is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. Assaults on prison staff are unacceptable, but the purpose of an urgent debate is to hold the Government to account for its actions. The member has not provided any authentication to show that the Government has announced a response to the assaults. There must be an element of urgency for the matter to take precedence over other business. I am not convinced that the matter raised by the member warrants the setting aside of the business of the House today. The application is, therefore, declined.