Parliament 19 February 2013

Questions for Oral Answer.

Questions to Ministers.

1. METIRIA TUREI to the Minister of Education: In relation to the proposed school closures in Christchurch, does she agree with Manning Intermediate head Richard Chambers that “The Minister promised us that we would have two years no matter what. It was a guarantee she made to our community repeatedly, it was unequivocal”?
2. MAGGIE BARRY to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on the New Zealand economy?
3. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he have confidence in all his Ministers?
4. Dr CAM CALDER to the Minister of Education: In the context of the Government’s Christchurch schools announcement, what is the process going forward?
5. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE to the Minister for Building and Construction: Does he believe that the contracting system currently used in the construction industry works appropriately and fairly in circumstances of insolvency; if so, why?
6. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery: What progress is being made on making the Christchurch city centre safe for rebuilding?
7. IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements on withdrawing troops from Afghanistan?
8. TIM MACINDOE to the Minister of Science and Innovation: How is the Government focussing New Zealand’s science funding investment, and encouraging Kiwis to get involved in science?
9. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements?
10. ALFRED NGARO to the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector: What recent announcements has she made regarding government support for volunteering?
11. EUGENIE SAGE to the Minister of Local Government: Does he have any concerns about the Hawkes Bay Regional Council’s forecast of 530 percent increase in its debt by 2021/22?
12. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Does he still have confidence in the Associate Minister of Health; if so, why?

Questions to Members.

1. Le’aufa’amulia ASENATI LOLE-TAYLOR to the Chairperson of the Government Administration Committee: How many submissions have been received on the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill?

Today Labour are asking four questions, The Greens have two questions, and NZ First  have one question. Unusually David Shearer has two of Labour’s questions for himself asking the Prime Minister whether he has confidence in all his ministers and later on in question time does he stand by all his statements.  Labour are also asking about insolvency procedures in construction projects to Maurice Williamson,  and the Prime Minister again about the withdrawal of New Zealand troops from Afghanistan. The Greens are asking about Christchurch school closures and local government debt  forecasts. NZ First is asking whether the Prime Minister has confidence in the Associate Minister of Health.

Patsy question of the day goes to Alfred Ngaro for Question 10: What recent announcements has she made regarding government support for volunteering?

Government Bills 3.oo PM- 6.00 PM and 7.30 PM – 10.oo PM.

1. Privacy (Information Sharing) Bill – Committee Stage

2. International Finance Agreements Amendment Bill – Committee Stage

3. Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Amendment Bill –           Committee Stage

4. Corrections Amendment Bill – Third Reading

The Privacy (Information Sharing) Bill is being guided through the house by Judith Collins. The aim of the Bill as introduced is to amend the Privacy Act 1993 and the Tax Administration Act 1994 in relation to information sharing by agencies delivering public services to better integrate services, reduce duplication and lower information handling costs across government.

The International Finance Agreements Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by Bill English.  It  provides for New Zealand to recognise the changes to the Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund.

The Environment Canterbury (Temporary Comissioners and Improved Water Management) Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by Chris Tremain. The main aim of the Bill is to extend from 2013 to 2016 the Canterbury Regional Council’s (ECan) governance arrangement and special water management decision-making powers in the Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Act 2010 (the Act).

The Corrections Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by Anne Tolley. The main aim of this Bill is to remove barriers to managing prisoners in a manner that is safe, secure, humane, effective, and efficient.