Busy two weeks for Parliament

The Government is using urgency to push through up to eight bills before a two-week parliamentary recess, upsetting opposition parties by wiping out the usual daily question time.

Urgency means Parliament sitting from 9am to midnight, focused entirely on legislation the Government needs to pass into law. Opposition MPs use question time to cover a wide range of issues, grilling the Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet in what is Parliament's most lively session each day.

Urgency began on Tuesday and could last until tomorrow as Labour MPs battle bills they disagree with.

At the top of the Government's agenda is the Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill, which cuts some ACC entitlements and raises levies, although by only half the amount that would have been enforced if the legislation had not been drafted.

The bill was last night in its final third reading stage after nearly two days of vigorous debate.

The Government also intends putting the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill through its first reading. The bill significantly increases penalties for cruelty to animals and creates new offences. It will go to a select committee for public submissions.

Changes to youth court jurisdiction and orders will also be debated before the weekend, and put into law before Parliament adjourns.

The Trans-Tasman Proceedings Bill and the Securities Trustees and Statutory Supervisors Bill are due to be given their first readings.

- NZPA