Govt Priorities And Absent Members

When Parliament next sits the Government intends to give priority to the flag referendum bill and the Estimates Debate.

Acting Leader of the House Chris Finlayson said when the House resumed on August 11 after a one week adjournment priority would be given to the New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill and the set piece committee stage of the Appropriation (2015/16 Estimates) Bill.

There was then a lengthy point of order concerning an MP’s vote being cast by proxy when they were absent without leave (See last night's coverage). Speaker David Carter said it was a serious matter and the voting system relied on the integrity of the whips and MPs complying with Standing Orders. Mr Carter said he had explained at some length to the MP concerned about their duties and responsibilities.

The Statements of Intent and Performance Expectations of Careers NZ and NZQA were presented.

Select committee reports were presented on the Petition 2008/0129 of Helen Kelly on behalf of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions and the

Tariff (Free Trade Agreement between New Zealand and the Republic of Korea) Amendment Bill by the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee

MPs then began Question Time.

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