Tetchy Start To Committee Stage Debates

After Question Time the House went into committee to consider a number of bills though progress was initially slow with some Labour MPs unhappy with the Government’s attitude.

Labour’s Trevor Mallard said very little time had been given in consideration to the Crimes (Match-fixing) Amendment Bill in select committee and because of this Labour had not agreed to give the bill fast progress through the House.

As a result of this Labour would seek to prolong the committee stage debate asking questions of ministers. Mr Mallard said the problem being addressed by the Bill had been known in 2006 and there had been talks about the issue years ago, but now the bill was being rushed in time for next year’s Cricket World Cup.

After about an hour of mild-filibustering the committee stages was completed on a voice vote and reported without amendment.

MPs then began the committee stage debate on the Public Safety (Public Protection Orders) Bill.

Continuing with the tetchy tone of the day, Labour MPs objected to it and theParole (Extended Supervision Orders) Amendment Bill being taken together and one debate covering all parts.

The Greens were the only party to oppose the bills and Labour lifted its tactic of delay and the first bill completed its committee stage and was reported with amendment.

MPs will return to the Parole (Extended Supervision Orders) Amendment Bill when the House resumes this afternoon.

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