Urgent Debates Declined — Electoral Act—Announced Changes

I have received a letter from the Hon Dr Duncan Webb seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the Government’s announcement of changes to the Electoral Act. This is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. In determining whether a matter requires the immediate attention of the House, one consideration is whether the matter must come before the House reasonably soon in the form of legislation—see Speakers’ ruling 223/5.

The Electoral Amendment Bill is set down as the first Government order of the day for today. It will be debated for reference to a select committee. The Clerk will allocate the associated New Zealand Bill of Rights Act report to a select committee. On that basis, I do not think further time needs be set aside to consider the matter today.