Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

There's an exploratory Government mission across the ditch to find out more about AUKUS. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins have met with their Australian counterparts, Penny Wong and Richard Marles, in Melbourne. ZB political editor Jason Walls says they're specifically looking at pillar two of the Australia-UK-US security pact. "Pillar two is a sort of military, technology sharing agreement, which has been on the table for quite some time." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks’ 2024 schedule has been revealed, with 14 tests set for the upcoming season under new coach Scott Robertson. It opens with matches against England in Auckland and Dunedin, followed by a highly-anticipated clash clash against Fiji in San Diego. NZ Rugby boss Mark Robinson says the newly released schedule is part of a long-term plan to increase global interest in the sport. "We need to get cracking to build awareness as a global game in that market, and we need to make sure that the All Blacks, and Fiji for that matter, are seen as the most loved teams." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are expected to cover a wide array of venues in the coming months. Five home All Blacks tests in 2024 will be played at three venues - Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin - with a test against Fiji to be played in San Diego. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An ex-cop says the police need to be more flexible about mandatory fitness if they're to attract more people. The Government is committed to training 500 new officers within two years. Former policeman Gavin Benney says the Physical Competency Test isn't fit for purpose. He says some people who'd make great cops may not be able to do some aspects - such as the wall climb. "Police are struggling to recruit suitable people. So they've limited themselves with people who can run, who can do that fitness test." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you listen to what Winston Peters is saying today, it sounds a hell of a lot like he’s keen to get us involved in AUKUS- the alliance between Australia, the UK and the US, which involves the Aussies buying those nuclear subs. Clearly, AUKUS is coming up in the discussions that he and Judith Collins are having with their counterparts over in Australia today. Now he was on Sky News this morning, and the host pointed out that Jacinda Ardern didn’t seem to love the idea of AUKUS, given that she reaffirmed NZ's ban on nuclear powered vessels and that that would definitely apply to the Aussie subs. And then the host asked Winston if he had a problem with them as well. And Winston said- "Well I don't know why you’re quoting the previous Prime Minister who gave up after all... but on these issues, the then-Prime Minister displayed an enormous lack of understanding or lack of clarity." Shots fired! But listen to what he’s saying, he disagrees with Jacinda and he sounds keen on AUKUS. And actually the more I read about it, the more I think I agree with him. Anyone who believes there is no reason for us to join an alliance like AUKUS needs to stop being naïve about what's happening in the world. If the risk of war was a temperature setting on an oven, the dial has been moved up quite a lot in just the last few weeks. Governments across Europe are warning of war. The Germans, the Swedes- the UK head of army spoke about maybe needing conscription, for goodness sake. Maybe they’re being alarmist for their own ends, but maybe they’re right. There are after all two significant wars going on at the moment in the Ukraine and the Middle East that could spiral with one ill-considered action. Never mind the considerable build up of Chinese warships and planes near Taiwan just in the last few days. There's a debate about whether AUKUS even wants us- maybe we’re getting ahead of ourselves asking to be included. But if they do want us, I think we should want them too. We need to get real about how worried Governments are about the world’s temperature right now. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Post-Brexit controls on food, plant and animal imports to Britain from the EU have recently come into force. Health certificates will now be required on goods ranging from produce, to meat, to even cut flowers. Industry experts warn these changes could create delays and push up costs- but some hope it will encourage UK farmers to be more competitive. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains what these changes mean for the UK going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, former NZ First Press Secretary Georgina Stylianou and Capital director Ben Thomas joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Mark Mitchell was forced to stand up and pretend he made a mistake by telling everyone it's going to take longer than promised to get the 500 new police officers. Did he make a good point? Who will be proven right in two years? An unfortunate recording of an exchange between an ex-prisoner and his Work and Income case manager has surfaced- is this an isolated incident or evidence of a concerning issue? The new recycling rules kick in on Thursday, February 1- how prepared are we? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ANZ has released their latest Business Confidence survey, creating a complicated picture for the economy. Business confidence rose 4 points to +37 in January, while expected own activity fell 3 points to +26. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says businesses are forecasting a clearer economic pathway following a tough couple of years- but we're not out of the woods yet. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has decided against scrapping a new regime aimed at preventing banks, insurers and non-bank deposit takers from mistreating customers. This Code of Conduct was established following a 2018 Royal Commission exposing questionable behaviour by Australian banks. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains why institutions were surprised by this 'inevitable' announcement. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holidays have wound down and central banks are back in action- what can people expect for the new year? 2023 was dominated by rate hikes to curb rampant inflation generated by the Covid-19 pandemic, and now the focus has turned to the prospect of cuts. Milford Asset Management's Katlyn Parker says there's a risk the market is expecting too much too soon, as inflation is still sticky. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government are denying there's confusion around the proposed target to get 500 more police officers within two years. Police Minister Mark Mitchell has had to correct the record in the House, after saying the Government had extended its deadline to deliver 500 more cops. National and New Zealand First agreed to meet the goal in two years - but Mitchell previously stated they needed three, due to significant challenges. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Mark Mitchell was 'hung out to dry', as recruiting that many new officers remains an unrealistic goal. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand has recently released a report designed to prove the company's economic significance to Aotearoa. The company claims it directly contributed $2.7 billion to New Zealand's economy- including $1.4 billion in wages. The report also states Air New Zealand facilitated as much as $26 billion in economic activity across tourism, exports and imports. Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Mat Bolland says this report was designed to remind employees and customers of the value Air New Zealand provides. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new documentary series explores an infamous set of disappearances around one of New Zealand's most dangerous beaches. As well as the six missing people who vanished in Piha, Black Coast Vanishings reveals others have had 'near misses'- fuelling speculation there's a serial killer in the area. Co-director Candida Beveridge says the series was designed to give a voice to concerns about the safety of the community. "What surprised us is what came out during the investigation- women being stalked, women being terrified in the bush. That, we felt, needs investigation." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A push to host more women's sport and big music artists has seen Eden Park have a record breaking year. In the 12 months to the end of October, the Auckland stadium recorded a net operating profit of $8.2 million- a $4.6 million increase on the previous year. Large-scale events like the FIFA Women's World Cup and Ed Sheeran concerts were big draw cards for patrons. CEO Nick Sautner says it's been an incredible turnaround over the past five years. "Women's sport was seen as a curtain-raiser and concerts weren't permitted. It's a credit to the trustees and our staff, who have worked with the community with various stakeholders to deliver this outstanding outcome." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Minister says Covid-19 tests still play a big role. The Government's buying another five million RATs, to keep them free for the public through to the end of June. It'll cost more than $5 million, funded from the existing Covid budget. Shane Reti says hundreds of people are still using them. "It's for those who might be at an increased risk, where the option of further treatment would make a difference. Part of that pathway to treatment is having a positive RAT test." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warnings the Government's police recruitment goal will mean splashing some cash. The Police Minister has confirmed in the House 500 new officers will be delivered over two years, as promised in the coalition deal with New Zealand First. Mark Mitchell had to U-turn on saying recruiting and attrition issues mean it'll take three years. Police Association President Chris Cahill says they haven't had a pay rise since July 2022. "Those people can't afford to join if they can't pay their mortgages, can't sort their cost of living state. That's what they need to look at, if they want to recruit and retain, they've got to sort the pay out." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Joe Biden has announced he's decided on his next steps after a drone attack killed three soldiers in Jordan over the weekend. But Biden is not saying what these steps will be. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Republicans have criticised the administration for not acting strongly enough against the attacks. "He's going to have to be careful, because you want to have a show of force- but then again, you don't want to have an attack that's going to lead to a lot more retaliation." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Athletes’ Cooperative have scored a significant victory over High Performance Sport in a landmark employment case. The Employment Relations Authority on Tuesday released their verdict, determining that the Government agency is obligated to engage in collective bargaining with the athletes involved. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains what happens next. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Items that once were recycled are no longer welcome in your household collection bins. Rules are changing from February 1 in a bid to standardise across the country. Paper, glass, and plastic types One, Two and Five can be put out at the gate for recycling. Auckland Council's Waste Solutions General Manager, Parul Sood, says people should no longer put out lids. "So unless the lid is attached - like your aluminium cans - if it's attached you can just push them in. It shouldn't be detached, because what then happens is that it falls within the machinery." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I feel sorry for Mark Mitchell. He's been thrown under the bus and made to look silly today. But I think he was just telling the truth, and I suspect we’re all going to find that out in about two years time. So what’s happened is that the coalition agreement between National and NZ First promised that we would get another 500 police officers in the first two years of this Government. Recently, Police Minister Mark Mitchell has admitted it is probably actually going to take three years, because it’s very hard to recruit new police officers and the Aussies are nicking the officers we already have. But Labour got him admitting that in the house yesterday. It hit the news as a story about a broken promise - which technically it is - and then NZ First's Chief of Staff chatted to National's Chief of Staff last night. Lo and behold, Mark Mitchell got told off by Chris Luxon today for not being careful enough with his words. And he had to walk all his comments back today, he had to correct the house, and go back to pretending he’s going to be able to get us 500 extra officers in the next two years. I bet you- he will not be able to do that, and this will come back in two years as a broken promise story again. The bummer here is Mark Mitchell was just being honest. He was just doing exactly what a decent politician should do. If a politician makes a promise they can’t keep - and that happens all the time - at the first opportunity, they should clear up that they cannot keep that promise. It's a smart political management thing to do, it resets expectations. And it limits the damage. A broken promise will always cop blowback, but admitting it early makes that blowback much smaller. I feel sorry for him, he was doing the right thing. Now the only way out of this is to get 500 extra officers in the next two years- or go through this whole story again in two years time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles has been discharged from hospital after undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate. The 75-year-old monarch was seen smiling and waving to the public, as he left the London Clinic with Queen Camilla. Daughter-in-law Princess Catherine has also been discharged following abdominal surgery, and is recovering at home in Windsor. UK correspondent Enda Brady says people are still clamouring to learn the nature of Kate's surgery, as details haven't been revealed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Neale Jones from Capital and Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! James Shaw stepped down as co-leader of the Green Party. Was this expected? What will Shaw's legacy be? The Government changes their minds on the status of the country's UNRWA funding, with contributions pausing until Foreign Minister Winston Peters approves. What inspired this rethink? Is this the right decision? Chris Luxon and David Seymour are at odds over the Treaty, with Luxon now saying the Treaty is akin to a partnership - exactly what Seymour doesn't think. Was it a good move for Luxon to take a stand? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank has poured cold water over growing speculation for an early rates cut this year. In a webinar delivered to the public, RBNZ chief economist Paul Conway said non-tradeable inflation came in higher than predicted, at 5.9 percent. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham says it's likely the RBNZ won't cut the OCR until the fourth quarter of 2024. "The economy has slowed a lot and inflation is coming down, but as Conway pointed out, inflation is still too high- it's well above target." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One leading accountant and agri-business advisor fears the current downturn in the rural sector may be the worst recorded in recent memory. Pita Alexander says there's been 11 financial downcycles impacting the sector since 1948, but this one is the worst. The Country's Jamie Mackay says the dairy sector may have bottomed out- and the worst is yet to come for sheep farmers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert is predicting James Shaw's next career move following his departure from the Greens. Shaw announced he'll step back as party co-leader- but stay on in Parliament for the first reading of his Right to a Sustainable Environment Bill. BusinessDesk managing editor Pattrick Smellie suspects James Shaw could eventually replace Rod Carr as Climate Change Commission chair. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The House roared back to life this week, as MPs settled in their seats for this year's first Question Time. Smokefree legislation, the Treaty Principles Bill and the Red Sea New Zealand Defence Force deployment were all key issues discussed in the first session of 2024. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon led a very restrained session in the debating chambers. "We had people in the past years who have been fantastic- clever, intellectual debaters, cutting... we don't have that anymore. Luxon would like to be, but he's a politician in chief executive's clothing." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NZSAS are reportedly offering experienced personnel significant retention payments to prevent them from quitting. Military leaders have been told the unit is 'near collapse', with at least one third of the uniformed workforce leaving since 2021, most citing poor pay. NZ Herald investigative reporter David Fisher says NZSAS needs a significant funding boost before mid-2025. "The capabilities that it's lost, the stressors that it has are deep, and they're widespread. There's no quick fix to it, it needs the Government to lean in to boosting the military." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's accusations the Midwifery Council is ignoring midwives, over proposed changes to its 'Scope of Practice'. Almost 3000 people have signed a petition against the revision - and replacing the words 'women and baby' with 'whanau'. Petition organiser Deb Hayes says the council hasn't listened to feedback. "I think midwives might not have even bothered replying, because the Midwifery Council doesn't listen to the feedback we give anyway." The council agreed to adopt the revised scope late last year, and including an explanatory paragraph. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's believed more Gloriavale leavers will join a bid for compensation after a lifetime of lost opportunities. Nine leavers found to be employees, not volunteers, in landmark Employment Court cases are jointly seeking $5.2 million. It's for lost wages, entitlement breaches, penalties and compensation. Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust general manager Liz Gregory says she's met with other leavers who want to get on board. "I wouldn't be surprised if there were 50 or 60 people that might actually also file with the Employment Relations Authority." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Green MP says it's no surprise James Shaw has stepped aside as co-leader. He's announced he'll stand down in March, but remain an MP to back his Sustainable Environment Bill's first reading. Gareth Hughes says Shaw got the Party into Government for six years, so he can say mission accomplished. "It makes sense, I think, for him- and also for the Party to refresh itself and look to the future." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Foreign Minister is standing by refusing to commit further funding for the UN's aid agency in Gaza. A number of countries have hit pause after Israel alleged a dozen staff took part in the October 7 Hamas attack. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says New Zealand won't contribute until Winston Peters has okayed it. Peters says our next payment tranche isn't until the middle of the year. "We've got time to consider this and plenty of time to come to a resolution- having heard what the United Nations investigation has to say." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's proposed tax reforms have inspired some backlash from the Opposition. Members of the Liberal Party and minor party The Nationals have come out against these tax cuts and voiced their disapproval. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Opposition leader Peter Dutton is accusing Albanese of changing course ahead of the upcoming by-election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No long-term guarantees around the Melbourne Rebels' future, despite confirmation the franchise's men's and women's teams will feature in their respective 2024 Super Rugby competitions. Reported debt of almost $10 million has seen the Rebels placed into voluntary administration. Rugby Australia is committing to getting both teams through their 2024 campaigns - with the franchises future beyond that set to involve talks with the Victorian Government. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington mayor Tory Whanau wants Government help to fund the city's water do-over. The Council is doing a finances workshop this week. Wellington Water is asking it for $2.5 billion over 10 years to fix its leaky pipes - which spill about 40 percent of the city's treated water. Whanau says they're proposing meters to see where water's going - and they'll also need to spend more. "Not in the billions, because we're not in the financial position to do that. We require some collaboration with the Government and our stakeholders to be able to look in the longer term." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's not altogether a surprise that James Shaw has quit as co-leader of the Green Party. It's pretty well known that there are factions in the Green Party that have wanted him to move on for a while now. There was a public attempt to remove him about a year and a half ago, and it while he won that- it always felt like it was only a temporary reprieve to get them through the election and safely out of Government. And then he would have to make way, probably for Chlöe Swarbrick. The good news for the Greens is that Chlöe isn't a bad heir to the throne, she is very popular and very capable- she could take them to even greater numbers. But he is still a loss to that party, because he was unique in the Greens in that he got on really well with business people. I often heard stories about various business groups having had some MPs from various parties come talk to them and everyone was impressed with James Shaw. It was not rare to hear that. And he should be proud of the shape of the party he's leaving behind. It's probably one of his most significant achievements as co-leader that the Green Party caucus is the biggest it's ever been. That was no small feat, given the unique tension between the climate warriors and the social justice warriors in the party. On top of that, they've faced some significant challenges- and they didn't end up doing as much damage as you'd think. Metiria Turei's benefit fraud admission, Shaw's own green school funding snafu. Even just being in Government, which has hurt every minor party that’s ever done it- except the Greens, because they came out with a bigger caucus. I worry a little bit that without him, the Greens will become less of an environment party and more of a social justice, anti-capitalism party and that they drag a future Labour-led Government further down that track. So maybe in the end he’s not just a loss for the Greens, but actually a loss for all of us. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, disposable vapes are set to be banned in order to curb a nation-wide uptick in younger users. Data shows at least 7.6 percent of 11 to 17-year olds vape regularly or occasionally, up from 4.1 percent in 2020. The UK Government also plans to restrict sweeter flavours, introduce plain packaging and ensure store displays are hidden by 2025. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this is the next phase in a nation-wide measure to reduce smoking and vaping stats withing young people. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Nick Leggett from Infrastructure NZ and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Wellington mayor Tory Whanau met with Minister Simeon Brown over the region's ongoing water issues. She says they had a good discussion but it will take a long time to fix these problems- who is to blame here? Can Wellington's water woes be addressed? Staff at a UN aid agency have been linked to Hamas- and allegedly took part in the infamous October 7th attack. Why haven't MFAT pulled funding from UNRWA, like many other nations did? David Seymour's State of the Nation address criticised the previous three Governments, claiming they changed New Zealand for the worst over the last few years. Is this a valid accusation? Why does Auckland Anniversary need to be on January 29th? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert is claiming David Seymour's State of the Nation speech covered issues that needed to be addressed. The ACT leader discussed Government failings from the past two decades and laid out his infamous Treaty Principles Bill. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says Seymour has the capacity to excite and challenge voters and attack the status quo. "He's looking at the philosophy of whether the Government should just keep repeating the policies of prior Governments- or change and bring in a bit of transformation." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour hopes everyone will be able to express their opinions on the Treaty amid debate over a controversial bill. During yesterday's State of the Nation speech, he warned opponents against automatically labelling the bill racist, and criticised any hints of violence. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Seymour will likely use his new role as Associate Justice Minister to sell voters on the Treaty Principles Bill. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has had its deadliest roll toll these past six months, since 2010. Deaths rose seven percent from 2022 to 2023. Australian correspondent Oliver Petersen says the problem is infrastructure, and funding is heavily politicised. He says states are only voluntarily required to report the details of a crash to federal authorities, and not all play ball. "It needs to be data-driven, because the argument being waged here in regard to where a lot of these deaths are- on really poor quality roads." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Woolworths is slashing the value of its New Zealand supermarkets by $2.3 billion to $700 million in a 70 percent decrease. The company blames a 'weaker medium-term outlook' and higher interest rates for this decision. MonopolyWatch spokesperson Tex Edwards says this announcement is a PR stunt to push back against a wave of inquiries. "You publish bad news before the Commerce Commission and the board members and the lobbyists start to come down." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister plans to reassess New Zealand's contribution to the UN Relief and Works Agency, following recent allegations. Several nations have paused financial air to a significant UN agency in Gaza after it was alleged staff members were involved in the October 7th attack against Israel. Nicola Willis expects the investigations to be carried out quickly- and the results will determine the next course of action. "We have made a contribution to UNRWA of $1 million, we have a planned contribution next year- and we'll assess the situation prior to that payment being made." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Upper Hutt's mayor wants answers from Wellington Water - on productivity - and how funding turns into fixed pipes. Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has spoken with the mayors of Wellington and Upper Hutt today over the region's dire water situation. Recent modelling shows the region's likely to shift from level two restrictions - banning residential sprinklers - to level three. Wayne Guppy says his council doesn't feel it needs to make many changes in its approach. "We're going to be spending some more, but we want some guarantees from Wellington Water that they can actually produce and actually do the work." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A push for the Government to continue funding the UN's aid agency in Gaza, because of its work feeding people. Many countries have paused funding after allegations some agency staff were involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel. MFAT says we will be assessing the situation before further payments. Alternative Jewish Voices co-founder Marilyn Garson says the UN has reacted responsibly. "There are unspecified allegations against fewer than 0.1 percent of their staff. They've been removed, and the United Nations' highest investigative body is looking at what happened." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister says plans to bolster the force by 500 officers will be enough to get more cops out on the beat. In the past week, a security guard was stabbed at an Auckland supermarket, two Michael Hill jewellery stores were robbed and a gang fight broke out at Christchurch Hospital. Resident's in Auckland's Point Chevalier say they're being terrorised by criminals in the town's square. Minister Mark Mitchell says police will aim to have a higher profile. "With resources being pushed back into the front line, I think that can be achieved. In fact, it's not a matter of can- it has to be achieved." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought law changes are needed to protect everyday Kiwis from the harm of deepfake images. Artificial AI-generated pornographic images of Taylor Swift have gone viral online. There are concerns similar fakes could victimise everybody using artificial intelligence. Digital Harm Expert, Mandy Henk says it's not clear whether people spreading such fakes, could face legal repercussions. "The Harmful Digital Communications Act does not explicitly call out deepfake images as something you're not allowed to do. the courts haven't yet had an opportunity to test this." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newly crowned Australian Men's Open winner Jannik Sinner has got the taste for Grand Slams. Sinner outlasted Daniil Medvedev in five sets to become Italy's first men's grand slam winner since the 1970s. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tax expert says the priority should be looking at lower tax brackets, as ACT calls for a flatter tax system. The Party's approach would remove the the highest and lowest income brackets. Leader David Seymour mentioned the idea in his State of the Nation speech yesterday, saying it would be fairer. But expert Robin Oliver says changing the upper bracket shouldn't be a focus. "I think the issue that would have merit looking at would be removing the ability of people to pretend that they're actually poor, when they're not." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bill in Florida is being put forward to crack down on teenage use of social media. It would restrict anyone under 16 from using social medias that use addictive design features. Dr Anna Martin is a family therapist and told Heather Du-Plessis Allan that social media addiction is a "parenting problem not a regulation problem". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has scrapped a bill to lower the voting age in local body elections to 16. The bill was introduced last year after the Supreme Court ruled that the current voting age of 18 is discriminatory and breaches the human rights of young people. Jim Palmer who chaired the recommendation for lowering the voting age told Heather Du-Plessis Allan that the he is not disappointed by the outcome. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.