Bill in the name of Labour MP Kelvin Davis drawn from the ballot on December 1. The Bill requires the Minister of Housing to build 10,000 affordable houses per year. Defeated at its first reading on March 8 with National, ACT and United Future opposed. Housing Corporation (Affordable Housing Development) Amendment Bill

Member’s bill in the name of Act’s Brooke van Velden introduced on Aug 4. The bill proposes 50% of GST revenue from a new home going to local councils that issued the consent to help them cover the infrastructure costs associated with new housing developments. Defeated at first reading on June 7 with just Labour opposed.

Housing Infrastructure (GST-sharing) Bill

Introduced under Urgency on Sept 6 and passed through all stages.  The Bill extends special housing area provisions which were due to expire the following week. All parties expressed at least lukewarm support for the special housing areas, but there was opposition to provisions ruling out first right of refusal provisions for land acquired under the Public Works Act. The provisions apply to Crown land being used for housing and do not apply to Treaty settlements. ACT’s David Seymour demanded and received a 10 year sunset clause on this change. Only National, ACT and United Future supported the bill. The debate on the Bill went on for longer than the Govt expected, as Labour put up wide ranging amendments representing their housing policy which were all debated and voted down.

Member’s bill in the name of Ricardo Menéndez March introduced on April 8. The bill clarifies that discriminating against a person for having or using a disability assist dog is discriminating against the person on the basis of their disability. First reading on Sept 22 supported by all parties and sent to the Social Services and Community Committee. Reported back on March 16 with a number of amendments but the main thrust of the bill intact. Second reading on April 6 with all parties in agreement. Third reading completed on May 4 with all parties in favour.

Human Rights (Disability Assist Dogs Non-Discrimination) Amendment Bill

Introduced on May 5. Makes wide ranging changes to the Immigration Act for a one year period to allow for greater discretion around the issuing, management, and extension of visas. Referred to the Epidemic Response Committee to be reported back by May 12. Reported back and passed under Urgency on May 14 with all parties in support.  Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Bill

Introduced on April 1. This bill extends the repeal date of the government’s temporary powers relating to visa rule variations in response to the covid-19 outbreak by 2 years until May 2023. It also extends the maximum duration of a suspension in the ability of certain offshore persons to make temporary entry class visa applications from 3 months to 6 months. First reading on April 8 and referred to the Education and Workforce Committee and to be reported back by April 29. Opposed by National and ACT who objected to the very short time frame for submissions and consideration by the select committee. Reported back from select committee on April 28. with no major changes. Second reading May 4 and third reading May 6 opposed by National and ACT.
Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Bill

Introduced under Urgency on May 30 and passed through all stages opposed by National and ACT. The Bill sets up a regulatory framework for a levy on tourists, with some exceptions including Australians. The money will be used for conservation work and tourism infrastructure. Immigration (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) Amendment Bill

Sets a maximum sentence of seven years prison for employers who exploit immigrants and deportation for employers who hold residence visas if the offence was committed within 10 years of gaining residence. Also address gaps in the compliance regime and responds to new technology. First reading on Nov 19 2011 was completed with NZ First and Mana opposed, reported back from the Transport and Industrial Relations on May 16. Labour and the Greens withdrew their support for the bill saying it did not do enough to protect immigrant workers who wanted to report abuse. They also objected to the wide powers given to immigration officials. Completed its second reading on Feb 10  by 61 to 59 with National, ACT and United Future in favour. Labour and the Greens indicated they  withdrew their support from the bill as it would not adequately deal with the problems around vulnerable immigrant workers. Completed its committee stage on March 31 with all parties but National, ACT and United Future still opposed with most speeches in opposition focussing on the powers given to immigration officials.  Passed its third reading on April 30 with National saying it would make a real difference in cracking down on the exploitation of immigrant workers. Labour, Greens and NZ First disagreed saying it was window dressing and would be counter-productive. Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2)

Introduced on May 19 under Urgency, the bill enables ACC to carry out work to bring an income insurance scheme into operation, should it be established under subsequent legislation. Passed through all stages with National and Act opposed and the Greens abstaining.

Income Insurance Scheme (Enabling Development) Bill

Member’s bill in the name of Hamish Campbell drawn from the ballot on Feb 15.  The Bill seeks to make changes to how ACC lump sum payments which are awarded after a court decision, a revised decision, or a review, are taxed. The effect of the amendments is that ACC payments made in respect of certain claims that were initially unsuccessful will be taxable at the rates that would have applied had the initial claims been approved. First reading terminated and bill discharged.

Income Tax (ACC Payments) Amendment Bill