Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill
First Reading
[Volume:647;Page:16113]
Nathan Guy (National) : I want to make a short contribution on the Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill. In essence this bill is a bit of a tidy-up, because currently there is no legislation to cover the gap between the time of the polling booth closures and the time when candidates officially become MPs and take office.
This bill is an important step forward, and we have heard from previous speakers that it is important, particularly in relation to covering office rentals and telecommunications. We all know that if those services are not continued, then there is a reconnection fee, and that would be of considerable cost to the taxpayer when it is weighed up across all MPs’ offices and the vital communication services that are provided to them.
The crux of this bill is covered in subsection (3) of new section 9B, in clause 4. It will allow the General Manager of the Parliamentary Service to cover the criteria. The directions will come through the Speaker, as is set out in new section 9C. New section 9D is also an important aspect for the Standing Orders Committee to look at.
National supports this bill. One of our MPs actually came into the House for just a few weeks at the 2005 election. Katrina Shanks came into the House at that time, but when the special votes were counted, she, unfortunately, could not stay. Lo and behold, when Dr Brash stood down, Katrina Shanks came back into Parliament, and she is making a wonderful contribution. This bill will cover the period of 2 weeks that otherwise would not be covered by legislation.
I was pleased to hear from Mr Hughes tonight that he has ruled out an early election. This bill will come back to the House at the end of July and be passed in August. I have heard from Dr Cullen and Mr Hughes that an early election following the Budget has obviously been ruled out and that we will have to hang on until August, and, possibly, right through to November, and we are ready for that. National supports this bill. We look forward to the Standing Orders Committee reporting it back in July.