The Day In Parliament (Press, 7 June 1985)

On 7 June 1985, the Speaker of Parliament, Dr Wall, received approval from members for photographers to capture images of the Minister of Finance as he presented the Budget the following Thursday evening, with no objections raised by members during the afternoon session which began at 2.30 p.m. During the sitting, Mr G. E. Lee from Hauraki presented a petition from the Thames branch of the Nurses’ Association along with 157 supporters, as well as a petition from the Paeroa-Waihi branch of the same association, both calling for the repeal of the State Services Conditions of Employment Amendment Act. Additionally, Mrs Katherine O'Regan from Waipa brought forth three petitions urging rejection of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. These petitions were presented by William Henry Bell Benson and 25 others, Mrs Patricia Moorby and 15 others, and Marie Gibbes with nine supporters. Mr Lange, the Minister responsible for the Security Intelligence Service, submitted a report concerning interception warrants for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1985. Meanwhile, the Acting Minister of Labour, Mr Prebble, delivered the report from the Waterfront Industry Commission for the year ending September 1984. Members introduced six notices of motion, including one by Mr A. P. D. Friedlander proposing the Electricity (South Island Concession) Amendment Bill. A total of 13 questions were addressed by ministers, following which the Leader of the House, Mr Palmer, moved for urgency to be granted to the Union Membership Bill. The Government successfully won the division with 42 votes in favour compared to 25 against. During the debate on part 2 of the Union Membership Bill, which concerned agricultural workers, the House divided eleven times, ultimately dismissing all Opposition amendments. After adjourning for dinner at 5.32 p.m., the House reconvened at 7.30 p.m., at which point part 2 was passed by a margin of 40 votes to 24. Members then started discussing part 3 of the Bill, which was passed after 14 divisions, again defeating 13 amendments proposed by the Opposition. Discussion then shifted to part 3a, focusing on the coalmining industry, which was also passed after eight divisions. The House continued with further discussions on part 3n covering the Fire Service Act of 1975, which passed on a division of 38 to 24. The session concluded late at night when the House rose at 11.56 p.m.

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