Find out more information about the NZBPT
On Wednesday 29 May the Trust held its second Parliamentary Seminar of the year with the theme Machinery of Government and Parliament. The seminar was structured around policy development, Executive Government, Select Committees, legislation and Parliament’s financial scrutiny cycle.
The seminar was presided over by Peter Griffiths, Chairman of the New Zealand Business & Parliament Trust.
The morning session was devoted to Executive Government – Cabinet, Cabinet Committees and Executive Council with a presentation from Sam Moffett, Legislation Coordinator, Cabinet Office.
Focus then turned to Select Committees with attendees visiting a public session of the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee followed by a presentation from Ben Logan-Milne, Manager, Select Committees on the purpose and role of Select Committees, the process of making a written submission and speaking to a submission.
The morning session concluded with Helen Lockyer from the DPMC Policy Project group with a presentation on public policy and policy making, discussing the role of government departments and how they develop and deliver policies.
Following lunch and networking with Members of Parliament in the Legislative Council Chamber, James Picker from the Office of the Clerk discussed how legislation proceeds through the House and Select Committees and parliament’s financial scrutiny cycle, with an emphasis on the impending Budget Day. Corporate attendees then had the opportunity to participate/observe submissions for a mock select committee with Ben Logan-Milne. The seminar concluded with a visit to the House to watch proceedings.