Business Statement

Next week, the House will consider the third reading of the Appropriation (2019/20 Estimates) Bill. An imprest supply bill will be taken along with the third reading. Other legislation to be included next week will include the first reading of the Public Finance (Wellbeing) Amendment Bill, the committee stage of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission/Te Waihanga Bill and the Kāinga Ora—Homes and Communities Bill, and the third reading of the Education (School Donations) Amendment Bill. On Thursday, 19 September the Ngāti Hinerangi Claims Settlement Bill will have its first reading.

Noticing that the select committees have no legislation coming back into the House during the September sitting, is the Leader of the House confident there will be enough first readings to keep the House busy during those weeks?

Not only are there a number of first readings coming, there are also a number of committee stages currently listed on the Order Paper, although, given that a bill passed through the House the other night, through its committee stage, with only two speeches from the Opposition—on a bill that they oppose—I wouldn’t be surprised if we make reasonably rapid progress.