27 September 2011

Media statement

Standing Orders Committee

Report presented on changes to Parliament’s rules

The Standing Orders Committee has reported today on the Review of Standing Orders. This review, which typically takes place towards the end of each parliamentary term, results in recommendations for changes to the Standing Orders, procedures, and practices of the House. The recommendations in the committee’s report are expected to be in place when the House meets after the general election.

Dr The Rt Hon Lockwood Smith, Chairperson of the Standing Orders Committee, said that the report “offers significant opportunities for improving how the House deals with its business, particularly legislation”.

“The Standing Orders Committee recognises that the Standing Orders are akin to constitutional rules, and seeks to arrive at an overall package of proposals that enjoys the overwhelming support of members around the House”. Dr Smith said that “An overall theme for the review was the promotion of constructive engagement through the Business Committee about how the time of the House is arranged, so that members can scrutinise bills more effectively and debate matters that are important to them. Under the committee’s proposals, there will be greater incentives for the Government and non government parties to negotiate in this way”.

Changes recommended by the Standing Orders Committee include:
• provision for the Government to obtain extra hours of House time to progress its programme without the need for urgency, but with certain balances and safeguards
• revision of the rules for raising matters subject to judicial decision
• increased provision for “cognate bills”, which are taken together for the purpose of debate, to facilitate the passage of bills with broad agreement
• greater flexibility for arranging the committee of whole House stage for bills, and for dealing with amendments
• discouraging motions that severely shorten the time for select committees to consider bills
• allowing members to promote and gain support for their proposed Members’ bills before they win the ballot
• promoting compliance with the proper form of the oath or affirmation when members are sworn in.

Dr Smith noted that “The committee has sought to arrive at a package of proposals that are in the interests of Parliament as an institution. This is appropriate as we look forward to the 50th term of the Parliament of New Zealand”.

ENDS

© Scoop Media