The Day In Parliament (Press, 20 September 1985)

On 20 September 1985, the New Zealand Parliament was set to continue its Estimates debate on the following Tuesday and Thursday, as reported by the Acting Leader of the House, Mr Hunt. The discussions were expected to focus on areas including Trade and Industry, Tourist and Publicity, Health, and the Post Office. A general debate along with the consideration of private members' bills was scheduled for Wednesday. During the session that began at 2 p.m., two petitions were presented by members. Mr N. H. Austin from the National Party, representing Bay of Islands, brought forth a petition signed by Reinhard Gunter Kluge and 9,150 others, urging Parliament to take action to protect the snapper fishery for commercial and recreational purposes. The petition highlighted concerns over inshore trawling which they argued was drastically reducing snapper fish stocks. The petitioners called for a ban on trawling in designated areas along both the west and east coasts. Mr W. R. Storey, also from the National Party and representing Waikato, presented a different petition from Mrs Imelda Clare Burns and 62 others. This petition opposed the introduction of legislation for homosexual law reform, indicating societal divisions on the topic. In other business, the annual report of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust was tabled, and 18 questions were addressed by ministers. Housing Minister Mr Goff introduced the Residential Tenancies Bill, which was passed in a division with support from the Government at 42 votes to 27, and sent to the Social Services Select Committee for further consideration. Mr Hunt also sought urgency for the discussion on the Land Tax (Annual) Bill, which was approved following a division resulting in 40 votes for and 29 against. Following this, members resumed the debate on Education estimates. After a dinner break at 5.30 p.m., the House reconvened at 7.30 p.m. to continue the Education estimates debate, which concluded with their approval alongside the estimates for the Commission for the Environment. The discussions then shifted to the Police estimates, which were also approved. This led to the commencement of debates on Social Welfare estimates. However, the discussion on Social Welfare was adjourned at 11 p.m., allowing the House to resume urgent debates on the second reading of the Land Tax (Annual) Bill, which was interrupted by the House rising at 11.40 p.m. Overall, the day's business covered a mix of environmental, social, and legislative concerns that reflect the challenges and priorities of the time.

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