Urgent Debates Declined — Marsden Fund—Funding for Humanities and Social Sciences

I’ve received a letter from Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the release of the Government’s health workforce plan. This is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. However, not every Government announcement warrants an urgent debate. Even though the announcement may be important, there must be such an element of urgency that the matter must take precedence over other business. I do not think that this application reaches that threshold. The application is therefore declined.

I’ve also received a letter from Hon Dr Deborah Russell seeking to debate the removal of funding for humanities and social sciences from the Marsden Fund. While this is also an important matter, it’s not of such urgency that it warrants setting aside the business of the House today. This application is therefore declined.