Statutes Amendment Bill

I move, That the Statutes Amendment Bill be now read a first time. I nominate the Governance and Administration Committee to consider the bill.

It is important our legislation continues to remain accurate, fit for purpose, and reflective of the policy intent. We all have a responsibility to be stewards of our systems and legislation. Regularly progressing these types of bills is one way we can ensure we continue to prioritise and maintain the quality of our legislation. Statutes amendment bills make small, technical, and non-controversial amendments to several Acts. This allows amendments to be made that would not usually be given sufficient priority. Amendments have progressed through the support of all parties in Parliament, and I acknowledge everyone for their participation.

This bill comprises of 62 proposals that will amend 42 Acts, administered by 11 different Government agencies. Many of the amendments in this bill correct drafting errors, such as an incorrect wording of references. For example, the proposed amendment of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 will replace the outdated term “doctor’s surgery” with the correct term “medical centre”, or replacing the reference to “Customs and Excise Act 1996” with “Customs and Excise Act 2018” in the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009.

Other changes make technical amendments to provide, clarify, or better reflect the intention of the legislation. For example, a proposed amendment to the Retirement Villages Act 2003 will clarify that it is the operator’s role to ensure incoming residents receive standard information, such as the code setting out their rights as residents.

Some amendments make non-controversial and supported improvements to how the legislation works in practice. For example, one of the proposed amendments to the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 will better explain the necessary powers for an officer of an industry brigade, such as the practical steps to extinguish a fire or stabilise hazardous substances. Another example is the proposed amendment to the Biosecurity Act 1993, which will enable certain secondary legislation made by the same maker to be consolidated.

Even though I’ve only covered a few amendments from this bill, these examples demonstrate the value of statutes amendment bills as a way of advancing minor but important changes. While all the parties in Parliament have indicated their support for the amendments proposed in this bill, I look forward to hearing the committee’s views on these matters, as well as any views of the public. I commend this bill to the House.

The question is that the motion be agreed to.

Debate interrupted.