Business Statement

Today, the House will adjourn until Tuesday, 8 November. In that week, legislation to be considered by the House will include the first readings of the Business Payment Practices Bill, the Customs and Excise (Arrival Information) Amendment Bill, and the Inspector-General of Defence Bill. It will also include the second reading of the Electoral (Māori Electoral Option) Amendment Bill and the remaining stages of the United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement Legislation Bill. Wednesday will be a members’ day. There will be an extended sitting on the morning of Thursday, 10 November, and that afternoon there will be a special debate on the report of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee on its inquiry into congestion pricing in Auckland.

Thank you to the Acting Leader of the House for that update. We’re quite concerned on this side of the House about the inquiry into the review of the Radio New Zealand charter, which had a report presented on 21 June. The Government response was due on 14 September and, as yet, that report has not been presented to the House. I’m wondering if the Acting Leader of the House could follow up on that for the House.

Yeah, I can do that.

To the Acting Leader of the House, just in reference to the Organic Products Bill, thanks!

No worries.

Just speaking to the business of the House, I just question, for the Acting Leader of the House: when can we expect the Government to introduce the Natural and Built Environments Bill and any accompanying legislation to reform the Resource Management Act?

At the moment, we’re focused on the Organic Products Bill and once we get through that, then we will look at other options.

The Minister for the Environment noted in the House this week that consenting costs the country $1.3 billion per annum. So is reforming the Resource Management Act a priority for the Government, and, if so, when will the bill be introduced to the House?

Order! No. It would be best if the member put that question on notice for question time.