Estimates Debate – Much Heat Little Light

The Appropriation (2012/13 Estimates) Bill, otherwise known as ``The Estimates Debate’’ threw up much rhetoric and attack politics on Wednesday evening.

The eight hour set piece debate is a chance for MPs to debate the Government’s budget – vote by vote. Occasionally this happens but usually it is just a vehicle for political point-scoring.

Trevor Mallard used debate on the SIS’s budget to attack John Banks and his handling of donations.

Under Parliamentary privilege Mallard accused Banks of taking more money in donations than he had said. He speculated the SIS may have evidence on the issue.

There were then a series of points of orders which at times became quite heated.

Finance Minister Bill English used his time to defend his record in office and attack Labour’s.

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