March 10, 2015 11:45am by David Farrar

Parliament 10 March 2015

The order paper is here.

Oral Questions 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

    1. ANDREW LITTLE to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his comment that “no one’s arguing that we’re not working as fast as we possibly can” to cut ACC levies given ACC, the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, Treasury, the Employers and Manufacturers Association, and Infometrics are among those recommending bigger cuts?
    2. NUK KORAKO to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on the economy and particularly on New Zealand’s creditworthiness compared to other developed economies?
    3. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Prime Minister: Does the Prime Minister still stand by his answer that he will resign if the GCSB has conducted mass surveillance of New Zealanders; if so, what is his definition of mass surveillance?
    4. JONATHAN YOUNG to the Minister of Transport: What update can he give on Government investment in bridge infrastructure in Northland?
    5. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Minister of Finance: How would the Crown’s fiscal position be affected if ACC’s recommended reductions to its Work and Earners’ levies for 2015-16 were implemented?
    6. SIMON O’CONNOR to the Minister for Communications: What recent reports has she seen on growth of fibre connections compared to other OECD countries?
    7. PHIL TWYFORD to the Minister of Transport: Does he think his “deep commitment to Northland” has been demonstrated by the Government cutting spending on Northland roads by $36 million or nearly 30 percent over the last five years?
    8. RON MARK to the Minister of Transport: Does he stand by all his statements?
    9. EUGENIE SAGE to the Minister for the Environment: Will he be taking any steps to increase protection for indigenous trees and vegetation in the proposed changes to the Resource Management Act?
    10. MELISSA LEE to the Minister for Small Business: What reports has he received on confidence from small businesses in the New Zealand economy?
    11. TRACEY MARTIN to the Deputy Prime Minister: Does he consider the flag referendum to be a judicious use of taxpayers’ money?
    12. SUE MORONEY to the Minister for ACC: What is the purpose of the Work and Earners’ levies charged by ACC?

National: Four patsies on the economy, Northland bridges, fibre connections and small businesses

Labour: Four questions on ACC (x3) and Northland roads

Greens: Two questions on GCSB and RMA

NZ First: two questions on Transport Minister standing by his statements and the flag referendum

Government Bills 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm and 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm

Drug and Alcohol Testing of Community-based Offenders and Bailees Legislation Bill – first reading continued

The bill amends the Bail Act 2000, the Sentencing Act 2002 and the Parole Act 2002 to enable the Department of Corrections and the New Zealand Police to require community-based offenders and bailees, if they are subject to conditions prohibiting the use of drugs or alcohol, to undergo drug and alcohol testing to ensure compliance with these conditions.

Introduced: July 2014

The debate has up to 50 minutes remaining.

Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Amendment Bill – first reading

The bill amends the Weathertight Home Resolution Services Act 2006 to remove any doubt about the validity of the criteria, deem certain claims determined as ineligible to be eligible, and to widen the definition of qualifying claimant.

Introduced: February 2015

The debate can last up to two hours.

Radiation Safety Bill – first reading

The bill replaces the Radiation Protection Act 1965 to “provide an enhanced legislative framework for radiation safety that responds effectively to the range of technological, scientific, and organisational changes that have occurred over the last 5 decades” and also enables “ratification of key relevant international instruments.”

Introduced: December 2014

The debate can last up to two hours.

Taxation (Annual Rates for 2015-16, Research and Development, and Remedial Matters) Bill – first reading

The bill is an omnibus bill that significantly amends ten different tax acts,especially in the area of child support.

Introduced: February 2015

The debate can last up to two hours.