Members’ Bills
The changes to standing orders around members’ bills has really increased the number Parliament can consider in a day. First readings traditionally took 120 minutes, with 12 speeches of 10 minutes.
However now they take just 65 minutes with the first two speakers having 10 minutes each, the next eight speakers having 5 minutes each and then the member in charge has a five minute right of reply.
So this afternoon, we may see:
- 4 pm – 4.25 pm – Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and Anzac Day) Amendment Bill, David Clark
- 4.35 pm – 5.30 pm – Joint Family Homes Repeal Bill, Simon O’Connor
- 5.30 pm – 6.00 pm and 7.30 pm to 8.05 pm – Illegal Contracts (Unlawful Limitation on Regulators’Powers) Amendment Bill, Lianne Dalziel
- 8.05 pm – 9.10 pm – Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months Paid Leave) Amendment Bill), Sur Moroney
- 9.10 pm – 10.00 pm – Lobbying Disclosure Bill, Holly Walker (partial)
Unusually the 1st and 4th bills may both pass, despite National voting against. However they could veto the Parental Leave bill at third reading if it proceeds that far.