Business Statement

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Next week, legislation to be considered by the House will include the America’s Cup Road Stopping Bill, the Building Amendment Bill, the Conservation (Indigenous Freshwater Fish) Amendment Bill, the Education Amendment Bill, the Education (Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand) Amendment Bill, the Family and Whānau Violence Legislation Bill, and the State Sector and Crown Entities Reform Bill. There will be an extended sitting of the House on the morning of Wednesday, 12 September.

Does he consider it good parliamentary practice for the Government to be calling for an extended-hours sitting to consider education bills while the Education and Workforce Committee is scheduled to be sitting in Auckland?

The business of the committee is a matter for the committee to consider.

💬 Hon Gerry Brownlee: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker.

💬 SPEAKER: A point of order—the Hon Gerry Brownlee. I know it’s not question time, but I think it is reasonable that a better answer is given.

The question was, “Is it good practice?” My understanding is that the bills being considered by that committee at that time are all bills that the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, and Minister of Immigration, is responsible for. I suggest to the member that he ensure that he has education spokespeople here in the House and addresses the matters to do with workforce relations and immigration.

I’m going to indicate that I do not think it is good practice for that to occur.