The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 31

Brooke Van Velden's anti union, anti worker crusade is under fire after she says she expects new members of the Employment Relations Authority to reduce compensation awards to workers. The Government's desperation to encourage “growth” through infrastructure has again been demonstrated with the passing of the Public Works Act Amendment Bill. It says infrastructure projects mean higher wages - we're still waiting. While the Government lauded the Reserve Bank's decision to lower the cash rate to 3% with a hint of 2 further cuts to come by year's end, there's no evidence at this stage the cuts are boosting spending, investment or employment, and the RBNZ says the economy likely slipped back into negative growth in the June quarter. Meanwhile questions have been raised as to whether the Government is trying to force the Reserve Bank's hand on OCR decisions despite its operational independence. And our guest this week is Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk, who talks about changes to consenting regulations.