The debate in Parliament today was well worth monitoring. Like almost everyone (one MP has reported to The Hive that the gallery contained only a handful of observers - three officials - MfE and Treasury - one business lobbyist, and some randoms) we monitored via the web. Another MP was heard to bemoan the low turnout of MPs for what was potentially the most significant piece of economic legislation to go before the House in this Parliament (the pointed comment was made that if the debate has been on dog chipping or smacking children every seat in Parliament would have been full).
This was a quality debate, but unfortunately it was truncated by Urgency. Only ACT can hold their heads high, as they were the only Party to vote against the bill going to Select Committee. Rodney Hide's speech is also worth reading.
There were several other good speeches - Hone Harawira and Peter Dunne indicated that while their parties (Maori and United) supported the legislation going to select committee, there are many aspects of the legislation requiring close scrutiny (Maori are apparently expressing major concern at the Government's climate change leadership forum). National's David Carter (on agriculture) and Tim Groser (the international dimension) were also noteworthy.
But the best speech must go to Peter Dunne. Thank goodness he chose to focus on potential implications for the average household (all negative) and made the point that we can't afford to get things wrong again. He suggested that it might be necessary to delay a final vote until after the election. While Wellington Central is more ideological, Ohariu is more pragmatic. It is interesting to see Dunne, sensing a vulnerability, moved so fast to shore up support.
Of course, the positions taken by Maori and United, are potentially very bad news for Labour, should they want a policy trophy before the election............
