The 51st Parliament held its commission opening today with MPs sworn in and David Carter elected Speaker.
The day began at 11am with the three Royal Commissioners – the Chief Justice, the Court of Appeal President, and the Chief High Court Judge – declaring the new Parliament open.
After the Commissioners left the Chamber the swearing in of MPs took place in alphabetical order. Unlike some previous openings all MPs managed to swear on the bible or affirm their oath without any hiccups starting with Amy Adams and ending with Jonathan Young.
The only minor kerfuffle was when Labour MP David Clark’s lurid red satin jacket came to the attention of MPs.
There were two nominations for Speaker – David Carter and returning NZ First MP Ron Mark. David Carter was re-elected to the position by 94 to 13 with 12 abstentions.
Carter said he was honoured to be elected and it was a privileged position. He said he better understood the role now when first elected. New Zealand’s democracy was a proud and respected one and he would seek to uphold its values.
Prime Minister John Key congratulated Carter and said there was less competition for the role than there was for the Labour leadership.
Acting Labour Leader David Parker also congratulated Carter and said it was his role to protect the rights of minority parties while allowing the Government to conduct its business.
Green Co-Leader Russel Norman asked David Carter to reconsider his rulings on Question Time and the need for ministers to answer questions properly both in the House and in written questions. Norman said ministers needed to be more accountable to Parliament.
NZ First Leader Winston Peters said all of Carter’s fair rulings would be respected by NZ First, he also called on the Speaker to ensure ministers were held to proper scrutiny in Question Time.
The House then adjourned until 10.30 am on Tuesday for the State Opening of Parliament and the Speech from the Throne.
**
ParliamentToday.co.nz is a breaking news source for New Zealand parliamentary business featuring broadcast daily news reports
Content Sourced from scoop.co.nz
Original url
