Advanced Technology Institute Bill Progresses

A bill setting up a new research institute was sent to select committee today but Opposition MPs objected to a shortened consideration time.

The Advanced Technology Institute Bill sets up a new Crown entity to support the manufacturing sector and services businesses through science and technology-based innovation.

Steven Joyce said the new institute was intended to improve New Zealand’s commercialisation of science and technology development.

It was aimed at high value sectors such as manufacturing of food and other export items.

Labour’s David Cunliffe said Labour would support the bill, but he attacked the Government’s wider economic development and science policy.

The bill passed its first reading by 110 to 8 with NZ First opposed.

The Government asked the Education and the Science Committee to report back by November 6 which opposition parties objected to.

Opposition MPs made their displeasure known by filibustering the motion to approve the truncated report back which was passed by 61 to 57 with National, ACT and United Future supporting.

MPs began the third reading of the Juries (Jury Service and Protection of Particulars of Jury List Information) Amendment Bill.

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