Speaker’s Rulings — Oral Questions—Question No. 2, 19 December 2023

Members, I’ve reviewed the exchange that occurred during question No. 2 yesterday, and the allegation that family members were brought into debate. At one point during the question, I said “All I’m saying is that it has been a fairly longstanding convention in this House not to bring family members into the debate.” I think most members would agree with that. On review of the footage and reading the Hansard, it’s clear to me that family came into the debate by way of an answer. I’ve looked at all the supplementary questions that were asked of the Prime Minister and, despite points of order to the contrary, they were all in order. I would note that the answer to the primary question did open things up to a much more political exchange. Any suggestion that the Leader of the Opposition brought family into the debate is wrong. It was done only by way of answer.

I unreservedly apologise to the Leader of the Opposition, the Rt Hon Chris Hipkins, for any implication to the contrary from my intervention quoted above. I will be more vigilant in the future.

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