Urgent Debates Declined — Oranga Tamariki—Fighting at Youth Justice Residences

Members, I have received a letter from Karen Chhour seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 reports of mixed martial arts - style fighting at an Oranga Tamariki youth justice residence. “An urgent debate is a way of holding the Government accountable for an action for which it is responsible.”—Speakers’ Ruling 200/4. The Government’s response to this matter and other reports about abuse in Oranga Tamariki facilities has been to appoint a former Police Commissioner to lead a review into youth justice facilities. That response was debated on 21 June. I’m not convinced that there have been further developments in the Government’s response that warrant an additional debate at this point. The application is therefore declined.