An urgent week leaves bills wanting feedback

Parliament had another week of urgency and a new list of bills. Five now need public feedback on things ranging from charter schools, and medicine regulations, to three strikes sentencing.

After an urgent debate about the Interislander ferry stranding, and another instalment of argument over the budget, the bulk of Parliament's week was spent under urgency.

The urgency motion covered ten bills. Their individual progress varied, ranging from a single stage of debate, to completing all stages and approval as law (pending royal assent).

Two bills debated through all stages

The following two bills were debated through all stages, without pause (or opportunity for public feedback):

Transport (Clean Vehicle Standard) Amendment Bill

Allows the Minister of transport to set an allowable average level of emissions across for vehicle imports - importers will be able to balance polluting vehicles with cleaner ones.

There has been no indication yet what average emission level settings might be.

Forests (Log Traders and Forestry Advisers Repeal) Amendment Bill

Removes the obligation for forestry advisors and log traders to be registered.

Five new bills now open for submissions

Five of the bills were receiving a first reading and will now go to various select committees. Those committees will call for public submissions. Some of the bills are contentious, so get your pencils ready.

Education and Training Amendment Bill

Reintroduces the possibility of charter schools.

(Submission deadline 17 July).

Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Bill

Brings back a rejigged version of three-strikes sentencing.

(Submission deadline 23 July).

Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme Agricultural Obligations) Amendment Bill

Removes agriculture from its carbon trading obligations.

(Submission deadline 28 July).

Overseas Investment (Build-to-rent and Similar Rental Developments) Amendment Bill

Changes the Overseas Investment Acts rules to allow the foreign purchase of land for the purpose of building or converting buildings into 20 or more dwellings, such as an apartment block or a retirement village.

(Submission deadline 28 July).

Therapeutic Products Act Repeal Bill

Repealing a bill passed last year that reworked the regulatory framework for medicines, natural health products, Maori traditional therapies, dietary supplements and medical devices.

The complex outgoing law had been in development for more than a decade under successive governments - a replacement has not been outlined.

(Submission deadline unknown at time of publishing, but presumably late July).

Useful Links…

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details