Urgent Debates Declined — Associate Minister of Health—Compliance with Public Records Act 2005

I’ve received a letter from the Hon Marama Davidson seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the findings of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory for the United Nations Human Rights Council. This is a particular case of recent occurrence. The situation in Gaza is one of great importance and concern to this Parliament and to New Zealanders generally. However, there is no ministerial or Government responsibility for the findings of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry. That is a mandatory element of any urgent debate under Standing Order 399(2)(b) and without it I cannot grant the request for an urgent debate. This application is declined.

I’ve also received a letter from the Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 a failure by the Associate Minister of Health to comply with the Public Records Act 2005. This is a particular case of recent occurrence involving the administrative responsibility of the Government. The question is whether the matter is of sufficient importance for the House to warrant setting aside its normal business. Compliance with the Cabinet Manual by Ministers and confidence in Ministers are matters for the Prime Minister. I do not think the matter requires the immediate attention of the House. The application is declined.