Social media ban, the fuel excise tax, and public sector strikes w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 7th September, 2026

The National Party, after months of deliberation, has announced its intention to look into a ban on social media for those under the age of 16. Despite disagreement from coalition partners, National is going forward with the policy, backed from across the aisle by Labour.  Also this past week has seen National and Labour making mirrored announcements around pausing increases to the excise tax on fuel. The government has delayed its next increase to January 2028, while Labour has ruled out any in the next parliamentary term, if elected.  Finally, almost 10,000 public sector workers are set to strike on Wednesday over poor staffing arrangements and low pay offers. They say job cuts have rendered some services unable to be delivered at their previous quality, and that pay offers fail to keep up with inflation.  To discuss each of these issues News Director Castor spoke to ACT MP Simon Court, beginning with the social media ban.