And that is why I know that you will be someone who takes the protocols of Parliament very seriously, and who respects the right of robust, rowdy, but yet respectful, debate. I know the National Party stands for that form of debate in Parliament.
You have been a Minister in 17 portfolios—if I counted the ones on my list, it included the Education Review Office twice, but I believe that that was an educational oversight, so I’ve now made it 17, not the 18 I was given. This gives you a very good understanding of the roles of Ministers, the ability of Ministers to answer questions, and the duty of Ministers to answer those questions. So you can expect that the National Party in Opposition will be asking questions, and we do expect replies within the Standing Orders.
There are times, Mr Speaker, when, over the years, you and I may have had the odd clash, but I like to think that we have a mutual respect for each other’s work ethic and responsibility and sense of what a privilege it is to be here as a member of Parliament. Just occasionally, Mr Speaker-Elect, I’ve thought over the last three years, just occasionally, a little bit of humour every now and again would help alleviate a bit of the tension. I’ve always found it quite useful, just occasionally. And might I suggest a little bit more of that little cunning smile that you have there would be excellent—just occasionally.
I so welcome your resolve in the work that you’ve undertaken along with other members of Parliament to bring about changes in the Standing Orders. It is, of course, important as a Parliament that the Opposition does its job properly, and it can only do that if you continue the practice that you have shown over the last three years of expecting the Government and the executive to do theirs. Thank you.
Hon JAMES SHAW (Co-Leader—Green): Mr Speaker-Elect, on behalf of Te Pāti Kākāriki o Aotearoa, I also want to add our congratulations and our thanks for your work and your service in the role so far and in the role that you’re going to have for the next three years as well. I would like to also draw attention to the work of the Standing Orders Committee and your commitment to the reform of Parliament to make it more child-friendly, more family-friendly, but also a better functioning democracy. Many of the practices that we have round here err on the archaic and sometimes process gets in the way of good outcome, and I think that in the work that you have led in your commitment to the reform of Parliament over time we will see a better functioning Parliament, able to hold the executive to account more effectively than it has been able to in the past. I’m looking forward to seeing how those rules apply.
In that spirit, if I make a personal plea, if you are looking at further reforms, I wonder if we could take a look at the rule that requires gentlemen to wear ties.
BROOKE VAN VELDEN (Deputy Leader—ACT): Mr Speaker-Elect, I rise on behalf of the ACT Party to congratulate you on your reappointment and election to the role of Speaker of the House. Every Speaker has the opportunity to preside over this evolving institution and see changes to the rules that govern Parliament. Many of the changes I’ve seen to the Standing Orders that have occurred under your watch are welcomed by the ACT Party: for example, changing the timing of Parliament to make it more accommodating for members such as our member for Northland, Mark Cameron, so that he can fly to Auckland, drive three hours, and get home at a reasonable time to milk his cows bright and early in the morning.
The ACT Party caucus find ourselves in Opposition this 53rd Parliament, and our responsibility is to ask the hard questions of this Government to hold them accountable. The role of the Speaker is to ensure the rights and privileges of this House and the freedom of speech of all members for the sake of all New Zealanders. It is this principle that we should seek to uphold—both the Opposition and the Speaker. As democracy wanes around the world, upholding freedom of speech here will lead to greater respect for our institution. I do not envy you in your challenging role, Mr Speaker-Elect, but I offer my
