Another stage in the Budget process has been completed in Parliament tonight.
After Question Time and the General Debate MPs debated the second reading of the Appropriation (2014/15 Supplementary Estimates) Bill. This included the Imprest Supply (First for 2015/16) Bill which was read for a first time without debate by 63 to 58 with National, Maori Party, ACT and United Future in support
Paula Bennett on behalf of Finance Minister Bill English said the bills were part of the Budget process which highlighted the Government’s plans to improve the economy and raise standards of living for all. The books were on a trajectory to make a surplus, but there was still some uncertainty about the forecasts and when this would happen.
Labour’s Grant Robertson said it was notable the minister could not get through a speech about the budget without sniggering about the Government’s failure to make a surplus as promised.
The bills completed their second reading by 63 to 58 with National, Maori Party, ACT and United Future in favour.
The bills were then read a third time without debate on a voice vote.
MPs began the committee stage of the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) (Transitional Provisions) Amendment Bill.
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