Business of the House — Urgency

I move, That urgency be accorded the first reading of the Appropriation (2025/26 Supplementary Estimates) Bill; the introduction and passing through all stages of the Taxation (Budget Measures) Bill No 3, the Social Security (Modernisation) Amendment Bill, and the Gas (Market Transparency) Amendment Bill; the third reading of the Regulatory Systems (Internal Affairs) Amendment Bill and the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill; and the remaining stages of the Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Amendment Bill and the Patents Amendment Bill.

Today, we are moving urgency for Budget legislation as is done each year. The Taxation (Budget Measures) Bill is being progressed through all stages to give effect to Budget-related tax measures that will enhance economic growth.

The Social Security (Modernisation) Amendment Bill is also being progressed through all stages. This bill will enable the Ministry of Social Development and Employment to administer the welfare system more efficiently and accurately and achieves forecasted savings from Budget 2025.

The Gas (Market Transparency) Bill will progress through all stages to secure New Zealand’s energy future by ensuring Ministers have powers to increase transparency on gas usage and supply.

There are also four bills currently on the Order Paper which the Government intends to pass in this Budget urgency motion. The Regulatory Systems (Internal Affairs) Amendment Bill will have its third reading. This bill needs to be in force by 1 July so that the insurance sector has the current calculations for the end of the year.

The Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill likewise has the third reading scheduled. This is so that the legislation can be in force by 1 July to avoid unnecessary costs on businesses and consumers.

The Financial Service Providers Bill and the Patents Bill are progressing through their remaining stages. The Financial Service Providers Bill will provide guidance and independence of dispute resolution schemes. The Patents Bill will fill a gap in the legislation and is a good-sense, widely supported bill which was agreed to in 2020.

A party vote was called for on the question, That urgency be accorded.

Ayes 67

New Zealand National 48; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.

Noes 55

New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te Pāti Māori 4; Ferris; Kapa-Kingi.

Motion agreed to.