Member's Day

Today is a Member's Day. But its going to be the start of yet another long, boring period of National filibustering. Because now that they no longer have an easy majority to vote them down, talking them out is the only way they can prevent progress on opposition bills.

So, we can expect long, drawn out empty "debate" on the two private and local bills which are first up. These are bills everybody wants to pass, and no-one wants to amend, and which would normally whizz through in half an hour. Instead, National will talk them out for as long as possible. If we're luck they might get to say a few words on Tracey Martin's Social Security (Clothing Allowances for Orphans and Unsupported Children) Amendment Bill - another bill with unanimous support - but they certainly won't finish it tonight. But while National will almost certainly succeed in delaying the inevitable debates on the MMP threshold, coal mine safety, and its Sky City cronyism, their tactics are likely to further damage the reputation of Parliament.