Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader on the Covid-19 inquiry, emergency housing, crime

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says speeding up the justice system is a priority.  Recent announcements by the Justice Minister include bigger fines for trespassing and harsher penalties for coward punches and assaulting first responders.  Hipkins told Kerre Woodham unlike National, he wouldn't spend the first 18 months in power overturning the last Government's legislation.  He says there’s been too much flip-flopping around.  One of the things Hipkins wants to prioritise is the courts – saying that they have to deal with the inefficiencies in the system, and that justice delayed is justice denied.  Chris Hipkins says Jacinda Ardern will be weighing up safety before deciding whether to return to New Zealand for our Covid inquiry.  Ardern could be among key decision-makers expected to be asked to speak later this month.  Hipkins told Kerre Woodham there are risks to her security in New Zealand.  He says they aren't idle threats, and it's legitimate for her to consider the danger to herself and her family.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.