Parliament Today 11 March 2014

Questions for Oral Answer.

Questions to 2.00PM-3.00PM

  1. Hon DAVID  to the : Does he stand by his statement that “for most New Zealanders an indicator of how well the economy is doing is whether or not they can keep up with the cost of living”?
  2. Hon KATE WILKINSON to the Minister of Finance: What will be the focus of the 's economic programme going into the election on 20 September?
  3. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Does he have confidence in all his Ministers; if so, why?
  4. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his Government's policies?
  5. PHIL TWYFORD to the Minister of Housing: Does he believe the Government is making it easier for young people in the regions to buy their first home?
  6. IAN McKELVIE to the Minister for Economic Development:What recent reports has he received on the manufacturing sector?
  7. EUGENIE SAGE to the Minister for the Environment: Will she strengthen the proposed water quality national objectives for human health so that New Zealanders can safely swim in our rivers?
  8. CHRIS AUCHINVOLE to the Minister of Labour: What recent progress has the Government made on health and safety reform in New Zealand?
  9. DAVID SHEARER to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What is his 's best estimate for the percentage increase in retail electricity prices for the period 1 February to 1 August this year for a household of four persons, averaged across New Zealand?
  10. Dr PAUL HUTCHISON to the Minister of Health: What investment is the Government making in improving health services in West ?
  11. CATHERINE DELAHUNTY to the Minister for the Environment: Does she think that companies should be allowed to pollute our rivers for an unlimited amount of time using section 107(2) of the Resource Management Act 1991, or does she think that the use of “exceptional circumstances” should be time limited?
  12. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Minister of Justice: Did she note her visit to the Shanghai offices of Limited in her report to Cabinet on her Ministerial visit to China in October 2013; if not, why not?

Today Labour are asking about the economy, first home buyers, electricity prices, and Judith Collins' visit to a Chinese milk factory.The are asking about government policies, water quality of rivers, and about river quality as it relates to the resource management act. New Zealand First is asking whether the PM has confidence in all his Ministers.

Patsy Question of the day goes to Chris Auchinvole for Question 8: What recent progress has the Government made on health and safety reform in New Zealand?

Government Bills 3.00PM-6.00PM and 7.30PM-10.00PM.

1. Electoral Amendment Bill – Committee Stage

2. Families Commission Amendment Bill – Committee Stage

3. Border Processing (Trade Single Window and Duties) Bill – Committee Stage

The Electoral Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by the Minister of Justice, Judith Collins. This bill proposes amendments to the Electoral Act 1993 to implement recommendations made by the Justice and Electoral Committee in its Inquiry into the 2011 General Election. The purpose of the amendments is to improve services to voters, candidates, and political parties.

The Families Commission Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by the Minister of  Social Development, Paula Bennett. This bill amends the Families Commission Act 2003 to restructure the Commission so that it comprises a single Families Commissioner and other members, amends some functions of the Commission and provides for the appointment of a Social Science Experts Panel to provide academic peer review and guidance.

The Border Processing (Trade Single Window and Duties) Bill is being guided through the house by the Minister of  Customs, Maurice Williamson. This bill proposes amendments to support the implementation of the Trade Single Window component of the Joint Border Management System.