Select Committee News - to 30th June 2000
SELECT COMMITTEE BUSINESS
23 June 2000 to 30 June
2000
Committee meetings
There were 15 committee
meetings, all held in the parliamentary complex, and one
site visit. Due to the House taking urgency on through
Wednesday morning, five meetings were cancelled and another
was reduced to an afternoon meeting only. Committees cannot
meet while the House is sitting without either the unanimous
agreement of the committee members or the agreement of the
House.
Reports presented (17)
Health
Misuse
of Drugs Amendment Bill (No 4) (325-2)
Alcohol
Advisory Council Amendment Bill (277-2)
Finance and
Expenditure
Supplementary Estimates of
Appropriations for 1999/2000 (excluding Vote Communications
Security and Intelligence and Vote Security
Intelligence)
Foreign Affairs, Defence and
Trade
Pardon for Soldiers of the Great War Bill
(193-2)
International Treaty Examination of the
1907 Hague Convention for the Pacific Settlement of
International Disputes
Local Government and
Environment
Wildlife (Penalties) Bill
(248-2)
Mori Affairs
Maori Purposes
Bill (306-2)
Commerce
Shop Trading Hours
(Abolition of Restrictions) Bill (272-1) and 67 related
petitions
Education and Science
Estimates for
2000/01 for Vote Culture and Heritage (National
Library)
Government Administration
Estimates
for 2000/01 for Vote Emergency Management
Estimates for 2000/01 for Vote Ministerial
Services
Estimates for 2000/01 for Vote National
Archives
Estimates for 2000/01 for Vote Prime
Minister and Cabinet
Estimates for 2000/01 for
Vote Racing
Estimates for 2000/01 for Vote
Women’s Affairs
Estimates for 2000/01 for Vote
Youth Affairs
Intelligence and Security (Established
pursuant to the Intelligence and Security Committee Act
1996)
Supplementary Estimates for 1999/2000 for
Vote Communications Security and Intelligence and Vote
Security Intelligence
Bills referred to select
committees
No bills were referred.
Committee
notes
(for further information on an item, please contact
the committee staff noted in brackets)
Commerce (Alan
Witcombe, SC-Commerce@parliament.govt.nz)
This week the
committee reported back on the Shop Trading Hours (Abolition
of Restrictions) Bill. Due to a tied vote, the committee
has not recommended that the bill be passed.
The committee has extended the closing date for public submissions on the Chartered Professional Engineers of New Zealand Bill to 1 September 2000. This will enable individuals and organisations to submit on both the bill and an amending Supplementary Order Paper that the Government intends to refer to the committee for consideration alongside the bill.
The committee will meet twice next week to consider the Economic Development (Industry New Zealand and Ministry of Economic Development) Bill, the Sale of Liquor Amendment Bill (No 3) and to hear evidence on the Estimates from the Minister on Vote Commerce and Vote Communications.
Education and Science (Clare Sullivan,
SC-ES@parliament.govt.nz)
The committee considered its
inquiry into reading in New Zealand. The committee has
established a subcommittee to hear the evidence and consider
the inquiry. Membership of the subcomittee is Hon Brian
Donnelly (Chairperson), Donna Awatere-Huata, Liz Gordon,
Nanaia Mahuta and Hon Nick Smith.
On Tuesday the committee will meet a South African parliamentary committee on education. On Thursday, the committee will hear evidence on the Education (Limiting Number of Universities) Amendment Bill and from the Minister of Education on Vote Education and Vote Education Review.
Employment and Accident
Insurance Legislation (Marie Alexander,
SC-EAI@parliament.govt.nz)
The committee met twice
this week to consider the Employment Relations Bill.
Finance and Expenditure (Graham Hill,
SC-FE@parliament.govt.nz)
The committee did not meet on
28 June as planned because the House was sitting under
urgency. At the next meeting on 5 July the committee will
consider the Taxation (FBT, SSCWT and Remedial Matters)
Bill.
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (David Sanders,
SC-FD@parliament.govt.nz)
The committee devoted most of
its meting on 29 June to the examination and consideration
of Vote Foreign Affairs and Trade. Foreign Affairs
Minister, Hon Phil Goff, and Associate Foreign Affairs
Minister, Hon Matt Robson, officials from the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade and Trade New Zealand gave
evidence.
Next week the committee will be briefed by Xanana Gusmao, East Timorse president elect from 10.00 am to10.30 am. The committee will also consider submissions on the International Crimes and International Criminal Court Bill.
Government Administration (Louise Sparrer,
SC-GA@parliament.govt.nz)
The committee considered the
Estimates for Votes Parliamentary Service, Women’s Affairs,
National Archives, Emergency Management, Ministerial
Services, Racing, Prime Minister and Cabinet and Youth
Affairs.
The committee heard submissions on the Fire Service Amendment Bill from the Fire Service Commission; New Zealand Professional Fire-Fighters Union; Insurance Council of New Zealand; and Federated Farmers. Generally, those making submissions support the changes the bill proposes to the Fire Service Act 1975, namely the:
removal of
the Secretary of Internal Affairs from ex-officio membership
of the Fire Service Commission (the Commission)
increase in membership of the Commission from three to
five
removal of the present prohibition on a
member or office holder of any association of employees
serving on the Commission.
The Fire Service Commission, however, tended not to support the increase in its membership from three to five members, stating, in its submission, that “on balance, the Commission is not persuaded that a Commission of five offers significant advantages over a Commission of four”.
All submitters agree with the removal of the prohibition on a member or office holder of any association of employees serving on the Commission. The Fire Service Commission, however, had one significant proviso. “It considers, employees or members of employee associations representing current members of the New Zealand Fire Service should not be eligible for membership of the Commission. The reason for this proviso, according to the Commission, is the clear and unavoidable conflict of interest that would arise from the appointment of a union official representing employees of the Fire Service to its governing body”.
Federated Farmers, while supporting the direction the bill takes, seeks fire levy payer representation on the Commission, believing that the make-up of the Commission is “focused on the running of the Commission and the business of fighting fires with no emphasis on accountability to those who pay the levies”.
The Insurance Council of New Zealand also supports the bill proceeding. It considers the “on-going evolution of the Fire Service Commission, following the passage of the Fire Service Amendment Bill, will be dependent on people who will offer the experience and skills that are specifically relevant, if not vital, to the role of a Fire Service Commission member”.
The committee is continuing its consideration of the bill.
Health (Nick Aldous,
SC-Health@parliament.govt.nz)
The committee did not meet
on Wednesday due to the House sitting under urgency. Next
week the committee will hear evidence from the Minister of
Health and officials on the 2000/01 Estimates for Vote
Health.
Justice and Electoral (Tracey Conlon,
SC-JE@parliament.govt.nz)
The committee considered the
Statutes Amendment Bill (No 7) and heard further submissions
on its Inquiry into the 1999 General Election. Andrew Geddis
of Otago Law School presented his research on the disclosure
of party donations. Dr Hans Grueber gave evidence about the
German system of calculating election results.
The Attorney-General, Margaret Wilson, appeared before the committee to give evidence on Votes Attorney-General and Parliamentary Counsel. In relation to Vote Attorney-General (which funds the Crown Law Office), the Attorney-General discussed the possibility of a review of the right of appeal to the Privy Council. Among other issues discussed were Crown solicitors and the appointment of a new Solicitor-General. In relation to Vote Parliamentary Counsel, the Attorney-General spoke about developing the relationship between the Parliamentary Counsel Office and the Law Commission. The examination also dealt with the project to improve public access to legislation, an increase in funding for the Parliamentary Counsel Office, and document management.
Next Wednesday the committee will continue its examination of the Estimates, consider the Legal Services Bill and the Referenda (Postal Voting) Bill, and consider the petition of Kenneth Orr for Christians for Life and 30 084 others, requesting that statutory recognition be given to the unborn child as a human being endowed with an inalienable right to life.
The subcommittee did not meet this week. The next meeting of the subcommittee will be on Tuesday, 4 July.
Law and Order
(Adrian Carpinter, SC-LO@parliament.govt.nz)
The
committee commenced its Estimates examinations with Vote
Police. The Minister of Police, Hon George Hawkins, and the
Commissioner, Rob Robinson, appeared before the committee.
The examination covered a wide range of issues, including:
the public debate about possible rascism in the Police
following the Waitara shooting; recruitment and promotion of
Mori and Pacific Island officers; trends in
offending; DNA testing; road safety and the dedicated
highway patrol initiative; firearms policy; electronic
crime; burglary clearance; the operational capacity of the
CIB; and the Police's information technology systems.
On Thursday, 6 July, the committee will examine Vote Corrections and Vote Courts. The examinations are open to the public in Parliament House. Vote Corrections will be dealt with from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm and Vote Courts from 3.30 pm to 5.00 pm. Hon Matt Robson will be appearing for both votes with senior departmental officials.
Local
Government and Environment (David Bagnall,
SC-LGE@parliament.govt.nz)
On Tuesday the committee
presented its report on the Wildlife (Penalties) Bill, a
member's bill in the name of Jill Pettis. It aims to
increase the deterrent effect of penalties for offences
against wildlife by raising fines in the Wildlife Act 1953.
The committee recommended the bill be passed with
substantial amendments. Recommended penalties are lower
than those originally set out in the bill. For example, an
individual who commits an offence in respect of absolutely
protected wildlife would be liable to imprisonment or to a
fine not exceeding $100,000 (rather than $250,000).
However, higher penalties are set out for bodies corporate
convicted of offences and liability for their directors and
managers is introduced. Three ascending levels of penalties
are set for offences against absolutely protected wildlife,
partially protected wildlife and game. At the lower end,
the committee has recommended the inclusion of community
sentencing options for some offences.
The committee met for three hours on Thursday evening to hear evidence on two bills. The Pike River Coal Company talked about how its operations could be affected by the Forests (West Coast Accord) Bill. A number of submissions were then heard on the Resource Management Amendment Bill. Organisations that appeared included the Pork Industry Board, the Seafood Industry Council, Makara Guardians, United Networks Limited and the Manufacturers Federation.
The committee's meeting on Wednesday did not go ahead because the House was sitting under urgency. Submissions on the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Amendment Bill (No 2) that were scheduled for that meeting have now been set down for next Wednesday afternoon. The committee will also meet on Wednesday morning to hear evidence from Hon Marian Hobbs on the Estimate for Vote Environment.
MMP Review (Louise
Sparrer, SC-MMP@parliament.govt.nz)
The chairperson has
issued a press release about submissions. Here are some
excerpts:
“The submission deadline for the MMP review is fast approaching. The deadline is 31 July 2000 and although it is common for people to leave it to the last week, I hope people intending to make a submission to the committee do so before then.
“So far about 40 submissions have been received. The bulk are expected to arrive between now and the end of July. Public hearings of the submissions will then follow.
“The undertaking of a review of the electoral system is a requirement under the Electoral Act 1993. The Act stipulates that there be a select committee review of MMP.
“In addition to reviewing the procedures relating to the division of New Zealand into general electorates and the provisions in the Act for Mori representation, the committee will also consider other aspects of the electoral system. It will look at the number of MPs, the extent to which party lists have resulted in the better representation of women, and how effective the current electoral system is in representing the tangata whenua and ethnic minorities. The committee will also recommend if a further referendum on changes to the electoral system is required.”
The committee is seeking expressions of interest from organisations to undertake collection and analysis of polling data on its behalf. The committee requires in-depth research into public perceptions and attitudes to the electoral system and other matters associated with its review of MMP. It is intended that this research go beyond the testing of public knowledge of MMP and how it works to examine issues arising from the committee’s terms of reference.
Expressions of interest are sought from organisations that have proven skills and experience in conducting polling and data analysis to undertake such work. Expressions of interest should provide: an indicative approach; indicative costs; indicative timetable; and previous experience. The successful applicant would be engaged by the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Remuneration and terms and conditions would be subject to negotiation between the successful applicant and the Office of the Clerk.
The committee also invites applications for the position of independent specialist adviser on its inquiry into MMP and other aspects of the electoral system. The role is likely to involve undertaking independent analysis of submissions to the committee and providing research and advisory services to the committee on an ongoing basis. The specialist adviser will be engaged by the Clerk of the House of Representatives.
Persons or organisations with considerable expertise and experience in the fields of constitutional and electoral law are invited to apply. Expressions of interest should include reference to the committee’s terms of reference and particular expertise or experience in these areas of electoral or constitutional law.
Those wishing to indicate an expression of interest in undertaking polling or becoming an independent specialist adviser should write by 31 July 2000, enclosing an outline of their relevant skills and experience, to Louise Sparrer, Clerk, MMP Review Committee, Bowen House, Parliament Buildings, Wellington. Telephone (04) 471-9032,
The terms of reference for the review of MMP are set out in a press release located at www.clerk.parliament.govt.nz/programme/committees/pressrelease.html.
Mori
Affairs (Kia Paranihi, SC-MA@parliament.govt.nz)
On 29
June, the committee heard from submitters on Te Ture Whenua
Maori Amendment (Maori Land Amendment) Bill. These included
the Mayor and Chief Executive of Gisborne District Council,
Matnuku Mahuika presenting for the Mori Law
Society and the New Zealand Law Society. An issue of some
concern relates to Mori land that currently has no
legal access. Many local authorities share a concern about
the potential costs involved in the processes to provide
access and who bears them. The Mori Law Society was
asked by the committee to provide a view on the issue.
The committee also considered the 200/2001 Estimates. Next week on 6 July the committee will examine Te Puni Kokiri on the Estimate for Vote Mori Affairs.
Primary Production
(Bob Bunch, SC-PP@parliament.govt.nz)
On 29 June, the
committee visited the Greta Point research facilities of the
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. The
committee received a briefing on the institute's aims and
objectives in relation to fisheries work, including research
on remote sensing and the orange roughy fisheries. The
committee also saw the institute's research on rock lobster
enhancement and work in relation to marine natural
products.
On Thursday, 6 July, the committee will further consider three of the four Estimates votes it is examining (Votes Fisheries, Biosecurity and Lands). It will also have briefings from Dr Neil McGregor of Massey University and Dr Steve Wratten of Lincoln College on the committee's inquiry into organic agriculture in New Zealand. The briefings will be open to the public from 11.00 am onwards. There will be no meeting on the 13 July, but a full day meeting is scheduled for 20 July.
Regulations Review (Shelley Banks,
SC-RR@parliament.govt.nz)
The committee heard evidence on
Wednesday, 28 June 2000 from the Ministry of Agriculture and
Forestry on six Codes of Welfare that were deemed to be
regulations under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. The
committee is considering issues such as the formatting of
the codes, tabling requirements, the legal status of the
codes and the clarity of minimum standards specified in the
codes. The investigation is ongoing.
Social Services (Tim
Cooper, SC-SS@parliament.govt.nz)
The committee will hear
evidence next week on the Housing Restructuring
(Income-Related Rents) Amendment Bill. On Wednesday 5 July
it will hear evidence in Wellington, and on Friday 7 July it
will hear evidence in Auckland (at the Barrycourt Conference
Centre in Parnell). The bill is due to be reported back by
Monday 24 July.
Transport and Industrial Relations (Lyn
Main, SC-TI@parliament.govt.nz)
The committee's meeting
scheduled for 28 June was cancelled because the House was
sitting under urgency. The committee will meet on Wednesday
5 July to examine the Estimates for Vote Labour. It will
hear evidence from the Minister of Labour and from
departmental officials.
Closing dates for submissions
Committees are receiving submissions on the following
items with the closing date shown. Twenty copies of
submissions are required.
Commerce
Chartered
Professional Engineers of New Zealand Bill (7 July
2000)
Education and Science
Inquiry into student fees,
loans, allowances and the overall resourcing of tertiary
education (24 July 2000)
Education (Limiting Number of
Universities) Amendment Bill (30 June 2000)
Finance and
Expenditure
Taxation (Annual Rates, GST and Miscellaneous
Provisions) Bill (5 July 2000)
Taxpayers’ Charter Bill
(31 July 2000)
Foreign Affairs, Defence and
Trade
International Crimes and International Criminal
Court Bill (30 June 2000)
Justice and
Electoral
Supplementary Order Paper No 25 relating to the
Matrimonial Property Amendment Bill (7 July 2000)
MMP
Review
Review of MMP and other aspects of the electoral
system (31 July 2000)
Primary Production
Inquiry into
organic agriculture in New Zealand (3 July 2000)
Social
Services
Social Welfare (Transitional Provisions)
Amendment Bill (11 August 2000)
General
You can
find further information about select committees on our
website at www.clerk.parliament.govt.nz. If you require
additional information or have any feedback on the contents,
please contact:
Carol Rankin, Senior Parliamentary
Officer,
ph: 471 9534, fax: 499 0486, or at
carol.rankin@parliament.govt.nz
Compiled in the Select
Committee Office, Office of the Clerk, 30 June
2000