1. Introduction of distinguished visitor

The Speaker informed the House that a parliamentary delegation from Samoa, led by Hon Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Samoa, was within the precincts of the Chamber.

The visiting Speaker was accorded a seat on the left of the Chair and the delegation welcomed with applause.

2. Petitions

The presentation of one petition was announced (see Related links for petitions presented).

3. Papers

Three papers were announced as published under the authority of the House.

The Speaker presented one further paper (see Related links for papers published under the authority of the House and papers presented).

4. Select committee reports

The presentation of 11 reports was announced.

The Crown Entities Reform Bill was set down for second reading.

The report on the Inquiry into the appointment of a Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment was set down for consideration (see Related links for select committee reports).

5. Introduction of bills

The introduction of the Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (2012 Expiry and Application Dates) Amendment Bill was announced and the bill set down for first reading.

6. Questions for oral answer

Twelve questions to Ministers were answered.

One question to a member was postponed.

7. Government orders of the day

8. Adjournment

At 9.55 pm the House adjourned.

1. Questions for oral answer

Twelve questions to Ministers were answered.

One question to a member was answered.

2. General debate

Hon Bill English moved, and the question was proposed, That the House take note of miscellaneous business.

The motion lapsed.

3. Members’ orders of the day

4. Adjournment

At 10.00 pm the Speaker interrupted the debate, set it down for resumption next sitting day, and left the Chair.

1. Business statement

Hon Gerry Brownlee made a statement relating to the business of the House.

2. Petitions

The presentation of one petition was announced (see Related links for petitions presented).

3. Papers

The Speaker presented one paper (see Related links for papers published under the authority of the House and papers presented).

4. Select committee reports

The presentation of four reports was announced.

The following reports were set down for consideration:

• Report from the Controller and Auditor-General on Local government: Improving the usefulness of annual reports
• Report from the Controller and Auditor-General on managing freshwater quality: Challenges for regional councils.

(see Related links for select committee reports)

5. Introduction of bills

The introduction of the—

• Illegal Contracts (Unlawful Limitation on Regulators’ Powers) Amendment Bill
• Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months Paid Leave) Amendment Bill
• Lobbying Disclosure Bill—

was announced and the bills were set down for first reading.

6. Questions for oral answer

Twelve questions to Ministers were answered.

7. Government orders of the day

8. Adoption of Address

Resolved, That the Address be adopted—

Address from the House of Representatives

TO

His Excellency Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, Chancellor and Principal Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Principal Companion of The Queen’s Service Order, Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Realm of New Zealand.

YOUR EXCELLENCY—

We, the House of Representatives, acting pursuant to section 26E of the Public Finance Act 1989 and being desirous that sufficient provision be made for Offices of Parliament, respectfully request—

That the following estimates of costs in respect of classes of outputs be included in Votes in an Appropriation Bill relating to the financial year ending on 30 June 2013:

$

Vote Audit—

Multi-class output appropriation—Statutory auditor function …………..…. 9,272,000

Output class—Supporting accountability to Parliament 2,685,000

Output class—Performance audits and inquiries 6,587,000

Output class—Audit and assurance services ………………..………………... 150,000

Vote Ombudsmen—

Output expense—Investigation and resolution of complaints about Government administration……………………………………………8,695,000

Vote Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment—

Output expense—Reports and advice ……………………………………...2,340,000

(all exclusive of GST)

And that the following projected balance of net assets at 30 June 2013 be included in an Appropriation Bill relating to the financial year ending on 30 June 2013:

$

Office of the Controller and Auditor-General ……………………………… 6,221,000

Office of the Ombudsmen …………………………………………………..... 368,000

Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment ……………. 622,000

(all GST-exempt)

And that the following revenue figures be included as information on an Office of Parliament’s future operating intentions, relating to the financial year ending on30 June 2013:

$

Vote Audit—

Output class—Supporting parliamentary accountability

Revenue Crown ………………………........ 2,460,000

Revenue other ……...……………………........225,000

Output class—Performance audits and inquiries

Revenue Crown …………………….............6,587,000

Output class—Provision of audit and assurance services

Revenue Crown …………………………........150,000

Vote Ombudsmen—

Output class—Investigation and resolution of complaints about Government administration

Revenue Crown …………………….…......................8,695,000

Vote Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment—

Output class—Reports and advice

Revenue Crown ………………………........2,337,000

Revenue other .……………………………........3,000

(all exclusive of GST)

And that the following figures be amended as information on an Office of Parliament’s future operating intentions relating to the financial year ending on 30 June 2012 and included in an Appropriation Bill relating to the financial year ending on 30 June 2012:

$

Vote Audit—

Output class—Supporting parliamentary accountability

(reduced by) 155,000

A reduction in revenue other ...………..............155,000

Vote Ombudsmen—

Output class—Investigation and resolution of complaints about Government administration

(increased by) 65,000

Funded by additional revenue Crown …..65,000

And that the following projected balance of net assets at 30 June 2012 be amended:

Office of the Controller and Auditor-General ……………………………. 4,021,000

(all exclusive of GST)

(Hon Gerry Brownlee)

9. Government orders of the day—continued

10. Adjournment

At 5.00 pm the Speaker interrupted the debate, set it down for resumption next sitting day, and left the Chair.