The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 14

The Herald's Poll of Polls research has been gushing about the margin of victory the right will achieve on November 7, suggesting the current coalition Government will be returned to power. The research however shows the parties of this current coalition will have the numbers to form a Government, if in fact they can, not that the coalition as it stands will govern again. Labour, the Greens and other environmental groups lined up to take potshots at the Government's Conservation Amendment Bill, which Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says will allow faster decisions, more jobs, at the same time as providing stronger protection for nature. The Government has confirmed it will scrap the fees-free university scheme, after 2026. Nicola Willis was put in an uncomfortable position on the Budget measure after Winston Peter revealed it, calling it a Budget leak. The Government's decision to scrap the Broadcasting Standards Authority has merit, but it also carries barbs – self regulation is not always effective and the lack of a statutory body to look at complaints and deliver remedies may result in more concerned citizens being forced to use the courts as a last resort. And we're joined by Labour's Conservation spokeswoman Priyanca Rhadakrishnan to talk about the Conservation Amendment Bill.