Urgency

I move, That urgency be accorded the passing through the remaining stages of the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2020-21, Feasibility Expenditure, and Remedial Matters) Bill and the Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill.

The annual rates bill has to be passed by 31 March each year to validate the tax rates for the year. Tomorrow being a member’s day, the use of urgency is necessary to ensure that it happens. Some of the measures announced in the housing package this morning are tax provisions to be implemented through amendments to the bill that are proposed in the Minister of Revenue’s Supplementary Order Paper that is before the House. It is essential that these are in place for the start of the new tax year on 1 April to address the serious housing challenges we face.

The Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill also has measures in it that need to be in place by 1 April—for example, the full transfer of powers to the new Director of Land Transport. Inclusion of that bill in the urgency motion ensures that it won’t be delayed by the need to pass the tax bill.

The question is that—sorry?

💬 Hon Michael Woodhouse: Mr Speaker.

The question is—

💬 Hon Michael Woodhouse: Mr Speaker.

This is an urgency motion; it’s not a debatable motion.

💬 Hon Michael Woodhouse: I am proposing an amendment to the motion, Mr Speaker, which I believe I am able to do under the Standing Orders.

I’m going to take some advice on this particular matter. Standing Order 57(3): no.

A party vote was called for on the question that urgency be accorded the passing through the remaining stages of the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2020-21, Feasibility Expenditure, and Remedial Matters) Bill and the Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill.

Order! I’m going to warn the shadow Leader of the House. He knows what the rules are. He is not allowed to interject during the voting process. He is especially not allowed to comment on parties’ votes during that process. He will cease and desist.