Urgent Debates Declined — Fuji Xerox—Fraud Allegations

I have received a letter from the Rt Hon Winston Peters seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the Fuji Xerox scandal. This is a particular case of recent occurrence. The application sets out the administrative and ministerial responsibility that Mr Peters considers attaches to the Government in this matter through a range of State sector agencies. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is investigating the matter to give assurance to the Minister for Economic Development. The External Reporting Board has not taken any action over the allegations, because it does not provide auditing and assurance services. The Serious Fraud Office has not commenced an investigation. There is no ministerial responsibility for the Office of the Controller and Auditor-General since it is an Office of Parliament.

The purpose of an urgent debate is to hold the Government to account for an action for which it is responsible—Speakers’ ruling 207/2. Several previous Speakers have ruled that the absence of action on the part of the Government is not a particular case of recent occurrence—Speakers’ ruling 212/2. To date, the Government’s actions have involved seeking assurances from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and no findings have yet been announced. On the facts available, the application for an urgent debate of the matter has not reached the point where it warrants setting aside the business of the House. Therefore, the application is declined.