27 MAY 2015

Conduct of Parliament Comes Into Question

New Zealand First is concerned at the way Parliament is being conducted.

“A pattern is developing in Parliament with the Speaker refusing to allow members to debate matters of urgency,” says New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“It is a worrying trend and an erosion of our democracy. An analysis of the applications since 2008 is alarming.

“Since 2008, the Speaker has declined 139 requests and only accepted 24 on government days of business in the House. The Speaker is 100% more likely to allow debates on members’ day, thus reducing the time members have, for example, for members’ bills.

“The Speakers rulings on debates are final. Yesterday, for example, the Speaker turned down three debate requests: from New Zealand First MP Ron Mark, on Iraq and Kiwi troops there, and from Labour MPs Annette King and David Clark on Relationships Aotearoa and the SkyCity convention centre.

“Given the peril our troops face in Iraq, after being sent solely to train Iraqis, we would have expected the Speaker to understand the need for urgent attention from the House.

“The three criteria considered were whether it was a case of recent occurrence, whether it involved administrative or ministerial responsibility and if it required immediate attention of the House and the government.”

Attachment: Success Rate of Requests for Urgent Debate on a Government Day Compared to a Member’s Day – 49th to 51st Parliaments

ENDS

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