Tensions Rise in Parliament as Speaker Confronts MPs’ Tactics

On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, tensions flared in the New Zealand Parliament as MP Stephenson posed a provocative question to the Associate Minister of Health, David Seymour. The inquiry, seemingly innocuous at first, quickly escalated into a confrontation that tested the limits of Speaker Gerry Brownlee‘s authority and highlighted ongoing frustrations within the House.

The exchange began with Stephenson asking about Medsafe’s recent performance, specifically regarding the reduction of approval times over the last two years. This type of questioning is common in parliamentary sessions, often intended to draw attention to government achievements or criticize past policies. However, as this session unfolded, it became clear that Brownlee anticipated trouble.

Initially, Seymour presented positive statistics from Medsafe’s annual report. Yet, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when Stephenson inquired about international benchmarks for approval times. Brownlee immediately intervened, declaring, “That’s the end of the question,” as tensions mounted. Despite Stephenson’s attempt to follow up with a supplementary question, Brownlee firmly shut down further debate.

This incident reflects a broader discontent among Opposition members, particularly the Labour Party, which has voiced concerns over perceived bias in Brownlee’s management of parliamentary proceedings. Labour leader Chris Hipkins and shadow leader Kieran McAnulty regularly challenge government responses, accusing the ruling coalition of unfairly blaming Labour and the Greens for various issues. The atmosphere in the chamber has become increasingly hostile, with Labour accusing Brownlee of allowing his colleagues to evade accountability.

The Speaker’s frustrations were evident during the session, particularly when Chloe Swarbrick, co-leader of the Greens, faced disciplinary action for her conduct. Such decisions have left Brownlee appearing isolated as he grapples with maintaining order amidst escalating tensions.

Later in the day, Stephenson returned to a more constructive dialogue during the third reading debate on the Evidence (Giving Family Violence Evidence in Family Court Proceedings) Amendment Bill. This legislation, which received bipartisan support, aims to improve protections for witnesses in family violence cases, allowing them to present evidence via methods like video recording without requiring prior judicial approval.

Stephenson, who sits on the justice select committee that reviewed the Bill, expressed optimism about the collaborative effort to advance legislation that addresses critical issues facing victims of family violence. “We all worked together to get to something that this House looks likely to pass tonight and actually make a difference for victims of family violence,” he stated.

The passage of this Bill marks a rare moment of unity in a politically charged environment, underscoring the potential for cooperation when parties prioritize practical solutions over political posturing.

As New Zealand’s Parliament continues to navigate complex dynamics, the challenges faced by Speaker Brownlee and the strategies employed by MPs will likely remain a focal point in the coming sessions. The balance between maintaining order and fostering productive debate is delicate, and the outcomes of these interactions will shape the legislative landscape for the foreseeable future.