16 May 2014

MPs debate Budget legislation

12:44 pm on 16 May 2014

Parliament remained under urgency on Friday to debate legislation enacting major parts of the Budget.

One bill includes provisions to extend paid parental leave from the current 14 weeks to 16 weeks next April, and to 18 weeks on 1 April 2016. It comes at a cost of $141 million over four years.

Labour MP Sue Moroney told Parliament the party supports an extension to paid parental leave, but it is disappointed it wasn't for longer.

Labour Minister Simon Bridges told the House moving to 18 weeks is fiscally responsible.

On Friday afternoon Parliament was to debate another piece of legislation under urgency that removes the duty and tariff from building materials and cheques.