Urgency

I move, That urgency be accorded to the passing through of all stages of the Road User Charges (Temporary RUC Reduction Scheme) Amendment Bill.

This bill is part of the Government’s response to the rapid increase in fuel prices that’s had an impact on households and businesses across the country following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Its intention is to reduce road-user charges to provide equivalent relief to motorists with a diesel vehicle that is equivalent to the reduction that has been achieved through the 25c reduction to fuel excise duty, as amended by Order in Council in March.

The need for the legislation is immediate. It’s essential that it’s enacted as soon as possible, under urgency, so that its provisions can have maximum effect. It’s essential that there is a period between enactment and the beginning of the temporary reduction period so that essential administration can be put in place by Waka Kotahi to ensure the smooth roll-out of the scheme.