Urgent Debates Declined

Madam SPEAKER Link to this

I have received a letter from the Hon Dr Nick Smith seeking to debate under Standing Order 380 the report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment on the investigation into remediation of the contaminated site at Māpua. This is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility, and the release of the report is a particular case of a recent occurrence that does involve ministerial responsibility. However, there needs to be an element of urgency for the business of the House to be set aside. Working through the report’s recommendations will take time. Other parliamentary opportunities are available to consider the report’s recommendations. The estimates debate is set down on today’s Order Paper. This debate will provide an opportunity to debate any policy initiatives arising from the report. The application is therefore declined.