Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Labour's Ayesha Verrall has stepped up to defend her accusations against Health Commissioner Lester Levy. Levy - who was brought in to replace the agency's board after financial concerns were raised - is being grilled by MPs for the organisation's Annual Review.  Verrall accused Levy of having 'a reputation of cooking the books' - citing examples of past roles.  She says recent accounts have been presented in a 'non-conventional' way. "That's exactly what I'm saying - this is pretty fishy. You have this process that is being used to justify health cuts where the Auditor-General says the accounting treatment is not right." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's strong opposition from the science community to the new Government approach to research funding.  The Science, Innovation and Technology Minister is refocusing the Marsden Fund on core science projects, disbanding its humanities and social sciences panels. Minister Judith Collins says it's to prioritise research of economic, environmental, or a health benefit to New Zealand.   MacDiarmid Institute co-director Nicola Gaston says it entirely defeats the Marsden Fund's purpose. "It is equitable because it is not granted with the intention that there should be specific impacts - it's about creating knowledge." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese national Tingjun Cao has been found guilty of murdering Yanfei Bao. The Christchurch woman's body was found in a shallow grave this year - more than a year after going missing. Cao killed Bao after a private property viewing - before trying to dispose of evidence and leave the country.  Newstalk ZB's Emily Ansell has been at court. She says the jury deliberated for just over an hour-and-a-half on Cao's guilt. "He left as he walked in this afternoon - with his hands behind his back, his head slightly down, he seemed silent, he seemed quiet throughout the jury reading out their verdict." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chief Ombudsman says the Ministry of Social Development's payment scheme for survivors of abuse is 'unreasonable'. Peter Boshier's expressed the opinion after a complaint by a law firm representing 1000 claimants. He says the Ministry’s criteria for accepting claims is too narrow, and there's no clear way for people to review refused claims. "We've found that aspects of this are unreasonable, the basis upon which decisions were being approached not clear, what was being taken into account not clear." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Soper met with Boris Johnson again - hours after delivering a 'critical' summary of his first meeting with the former Prime Minister. Soper met with Johnson over lunch again earlier today, and Johnson was quick to bring up yesterday's radio recap. "If you're listening at the moment, Boris, you're not a bad bugger. He was pretty good - today's lunch was hosted by General Finance, it was around a table and it really was just a yarn." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President-elect Donald Trump - and his legal team - are using Joe Biden's recent pardoning of his son Hunter to argue that Trump’s hush money case should be dismissed. Trump was prosecuted earlier in the year for falsifying business records related to hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels in 2016. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Biden's choice has come with political blowback - from both sides of the aisle.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Caps bowling coach Jacob Oram is questioning the logic behind the ICC's sanctioning of the New Zealand and England cricket teams for their slow over rate in the opening test in Christchurch. Both teams have been fined 15 percent of their match fee and docked three World Test Championship points, which further dampens the Black Caps' odds of making the final. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kāinga Ora has copped some backlash for scrapping wool carpets in favour of nylon synthetics in state houses. The agency has released a request for proposal for companies to provide carpet and underlay for its state homes - but claimed nylon was 34 percent cheaper than wool alternatives. Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson has voiced 'disappointment' with this choice. "We're trying to revitalise the sheep industry, the wool industry - we're starting to make some progress on that, but this is a kick in the guts." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The French Government is all but guaranteed to collapse in the coming days after far-right and left-wing parties submitted no-confidence motions against Prime Minister Michel Barnier. If this goes forward, Barnier's coalition will be the first French Government to be forced out by a no-confidence vote since 1962. UK correspondent Enda Brady says France is the second strongest economy in Europe - and stability is needed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry for Primary Industries says it's possible there'll be more cases of bird flu at an Otago egg farm. The culling of 80,000 chickens at the Mainland Poultry property in Moeraki will begin tomorrow. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained this won't create too much trouble for the sector - as there's millions of layer hens in the country. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert has offered a theory about why SolarZero met the end that it did. The Kiwi-founded solar and battery firm was placed into liquidation - costing over 160 employees their jobs. Lightforce Solar owner John Harman says SolarZero offered an 'amazing' deal for consumers - but economic factors have created additional trouble for the sector.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Finance Minister has indicated charities could be subject to tax changes in the next Budget. Is this the right move? All Black Sevu Reece has admitted to a charge of wilful damage after a party in Christchurch last year. The judge discharged him without conviction. Should he still be allowed to play for the All Blacks? The Defence Minister says the Defence Force's major spending blueprint release has been delayed until next year, because of escalating global tensions. Are we surprised by this warning? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 3 December 2024, All Black Sevu Reece has been discharged without conviction after admitting to a charge of wilful damage. NZ Herald Senior Crime Reporter Anna Leask tells Jack why he was discharged despite pleading guilty - and whether being an All Black had anything to do with it. Defence Minister Judith Collins warns 'everything changed' when China fired an intercontinental ballistic missile in the Pacific earlier this year. Nutritionist Nikki Hart talks about Oxford University research that found some vegan products are worse for the environment than the real thing. Plus, Barry Soper's fresh back from a long lunch with former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Energy Resources Aotearoa says gas producers were severely damaged by the previous ban on oil and gas exploration.  It's asked the Government to underwrite the risk of oil and gas exploration.  Government ministers say they've made no decisions.  Energy Resources Aotearoa chief executive John Carnegie says it would only protect the sector from pernicious future policy changes.  "Oil and gas exploration companies are worried that any investment they make in New Zealand could be eroded or stripped away if the Government changes." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB's own Barry Soper spent the day with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson - and left hoping for more stories. The former UK leader held a 'long lunch' in Auckland to promote his book Unleashed.  Barry Soper described Johnson's speech as ' the slow unravel of a mohair jersey' - and wondered what would come of it. "He dithered his way - I couldn't understand many of the things he was saying because he was dithering so much." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research has revealed some vegan alternative products are worse for the environment than meat and dairy. Vegans hoping to save the planet should stick to eating beans and avoid almond milk and lab-grown meat, according to new reports from Oxford University. Nutritionist Nikki Hart explains fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are good for overall health and the climate - but they're best in their natural state. "We don't want them to have been manipulated and to have been created with salt and preservatives and those kinds of things." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Electoral Commission admits a polling booth shouldn't have operated at a Marae run by a candidate.  The Public Service Commission is investigating claims Manurewa Marae misused Census data for Te Pati Māori's election campaign.  Its winning candidate for the Tamaki Makaurau electorate - Takutai Tarsh Kemp - was Marae chief executive at the time. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls unpacks the controversy further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Minister says he's dissatisfied by bargaining between workers and Health New Zealand.  About 36,000 nurses, midwives and health care assistants have walked off the job until 7pm today.  The Nurses Organisation says Health NZ has indicated its bargaining parameters are restricted to one percent of total employee costs.  Health Minister Shane Reti says the workers are still strongly valued. "I'm a little disappointed that we're out in strike action so early in the bargaining and negotiating stage - but I would commend both parties to please get back to that bargaining table." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Details of the criminal charges against All Black winger Sevu Reece have emerged - ending today in a discharge without conviction. The 27-year-old initially pleaded not guilty to taking a car 'dishonestly and without claim' and intentionally damaging a property. But he's admitted a reduced charge of wilful damage - and lost name suppression today. Herald crime reporter Anna Leask says it took place after a post-Christchurch Cup Day party last year. "He was getting a bit disruptive and he was asked to leave - and then next minute, he was sort of behind the wheel of a car and he drove it into a garage. And then he sort of took off on foot." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, economists have accused the Reserve Bank of mishandling the OCR. Experts claim the central bank has been too focused on keeping unemployment high - impacting the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of Australians. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the Reserve Bank is in a tough spot - but it can't undo months of progress. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson is a favourite to join Red Bull's top Formula One team, after reports Sergio Perez will be relieved of his seat. Team boss Christian Horner hinted at Perez's potential departure after he failed to finish the Qatar Grand Prix. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judith Collins has revealed the Defence Force's major spending blueprint release has been delayed until next year, citing escalating world tensions. Speaking after appearing before a Select Committee this afternoon, the Defence Minister says the capability plan has been pushed back because she's taking the time to get things right.   Collins says there's more 'militarisation' efforts coming out of places like China - and it's unlike anything she's seen before. "The recent Chinese Navy Renhai-class cruiser and destroyer visiting Port Vila, Vanuatu, in October this year - that's the first time we've seen ships of that capability in that position when they weren't just coming back from somewhere else and stopping off." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A huge political victory for Auckland mayor Wayne Brown. Having campaigned on taking greater control over Auckland’s CCO’s (Council Controlled Organisations), the mayor is set to get his wish when it comes to Auckland Transport. Transport Minister Simeon Brown has confirmed that Auckland's transport policy and planning will shift from AT back over to Auckland Council. Remember, under the current model - Auckland Council has had two elected councillors on the board of AT. But Wayne Brown argued this assigned too much of the major decision making to unelected officials. He was always lamenting that people came up to him in the street and moaned to him about problems that were AT's responsibility, not realising that actually the council had limited control. Like all power, of course, you have to be careful what you wish for. If Auckland Council and the local boards are to have more authority over transport planning in our biggest city, they'll also have the blame if residents don't feel they're making the right calls. Under the changes, Auckland Council will retain a transport CCO. But - his opponents have to accept that Wayne Brown has surprised a lot of people as mayor. He has built relationships on both sides of the political spectrum and advocated effectively for Auckland's ratepayers. He promised to get greater control over the Council Controlled Organisations - and Auckland Transport was top of the list. And whether you like the council's subsequent transport policies or not - on that promise, he has delivered. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Masterchef presenter Gregg Wallace is denying accusations he made sexual comments toward staff and celebrity guests. The 60-year-old's stepped back from presenting the TV show as an investigation begins. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says more complaints have emerged since his departure - and there's been outrage over the BBC's response to this.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President-elect Donald Trump's latest policy announcements continue to have an impact on capital markets. Trump's pick of Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary sent long-term Government bond yields lower and the US share market higher - as investors felt more confident in a 'seasoned' choice taking on the role. However, his threated tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico created a divided response among investors.  Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly unpacked the 'mixed' reactions to Trump's latest announcements. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Papa has made $750,000 since it started charging international visitors an admission fee two months ago. The change came in during September to help fund rising energy, insurance, and staffing costs at the museum. Te Papa head of marketing and communications Kate Camp says New Zealand's tourism industry is a rich area with plenty of room for 'once-in-a-lifetime' experiences. "You're not here for a cheap and cheerful holiday, for most of our visitors." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Child Fund's Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Labour has ruled out joining AUKUS during their next term in Government. Is this a valid statement? What made Labour change its mind?  Joe Biden has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden. Is this a mistake? UK Masterchef host Gregg Wallace has hit back at allegations of improper behaviour, blaming the allegations on 'middle class women of a certain age'. What do we make of this fight-back tactic? Te Papa has made $750,000 in two months from charging international visitors $35 per visit. Does this prove we should be making international visitors pay for more things? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister has been quick to unpack some of Labour's announcements from over the weekend. At the party's annual conference, leader Chris Hipkins ruled out joining AUKUS - the security pact between Australia, the UK and the US. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has said this rejection of AUKUS feels 'premature'. "Let's remember it was Labour who started the discussions about Pillar Two of AUKUS back in 2021. No one's ever talked about joining the first pillar - but exploring how we could co-operate on technology was something Labour kicked off." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 2 December 2024, Jack Tame speaks to Social Development Minister Louise Upston as the number of jobseekers continues to increase. US president Joe Biden has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden. Labour's David Parker tells Jack a future Labour Government would pull out of AUKUS. Plus, the Huddle reacts to Gregg Wallace blaming allegations against him on "middle class women of a certain age". Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mortgage holders have been hoping the banks will pass on the latest 50 basis point cut to the OCR - but many will have to wait. New Zealand's major banks have all cut their floating rates, but only ASB's fixed-term mortgage rate has moved down so far. Mortgage advisor Bruce Patton says the banks had largely predicted the OCR would drop by 50 basis points - and priced their earlier cuts accordingly. "We saw a few banks move a few days before, we saw the BNZ come down from 6.49 to 5.99 on the Monday before the OCR was even announced. A lot of the rates had already moved."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merchandise sales have kicked off for new football club Auckland FC. The introduction of the A-league football club to the city has seen more merchandise sold in four weeks than it was expecting to sell all season. More is being shipped in before Christmas. CEO Nick Becker says interest has been overwhelming. "Auckland was ready for some professional football, I think. Like, the passion that's in those stands - you just see it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's foreign affairs spokesperson has called AUKUS a 'China containment strategy' - which Labour wants no part of.  At the party conference, leader Chris Hipkins announced no future Labour Government would be involved in the tri-lateral security deal.  David Parker says New Zealand should plot a path between the superpowers.  He's confirmed Labour would withdraw from the deal if the current Government signs up.  "In terms of the practicality of that - very little will have happened by then. Even the Pillar One submarines that are nuclear powered that Australia's purchasing - they don't arrive by the 2030s." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's introducing individual job plans to get people off the Jobseeker benefit.  The 70,000 people on the Jobseeker benefit with employment case managers will be eligible for the work-readiness needs assessment.  It will look at any issues with education, transport, addiction, health and childcare. Social Development Minister Louise Upston says they want to address people's individual barriers. "If they need a drivers' licence, then yes, we'll connect them with an MSD-funded programme." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Supreme Court has ruled the majority of the Court of Appeal “erred” in a major decision that ultimately eased the test for Māori to gain customary rights for use of the foreshore and seabed. Its just-issued ruling allows an appeal by the Attorney-General against the Court of Appeal’s decision last October, at a time the Government is pushing through contentious legislation to overturn it. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks these new developments. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Australian hospitality giant has banned Australia Day celebrations in its venues - sparking calls for a boycott. Australian Venue Co, owner of over 200 pubs and bars across the nation, has directed managers and staff to shut down celebrations of the holiday in 2025. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says this debate takes place every year - with no signs of change in sight. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC's Steve Corica has praised his side's resilience in their 2-0 A-League win over the Newcastle Jets at Mt Smart. Late second half goals from Neyder Moreno and Francis de Vries powered the home side to their fifth straight win to begin their inaugural campaign. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Biden has signed a pardon for his son - Hunter Biden - due to be sentenced this month on gun crime and tax convictions. The US President previously said he wouldn't pardon him, but now says his son was selectively and unfairly prosecuted. US correspondent Logan Church says this news comes as a shock to everyone - given how Biden was originally opposed to the pardon.  "For all of Joe Biden's re-election campaign - and after he stepped aside in support of Kamala Harris - he vowed that he would not pardon his son at all. It appeared like a political strategy more than anything else." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 29 November 2024, the Government inquiry revealing that 'human error' was behind the Manawanui sinking when crews failed to turn off autopilot - Defence Minister Judith Collins explains the findings. Eden Park's Nick Saunter talks about the park announcing 12 concerts a year but with only six artists. Plus the Sports Huddle debates whether or not New Zealand Rugby should finally loosen their eligibility laws. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The British Government intends to overhaul the country’s immigration system after new data shows arrivals had hit a record high. New figures show net migration is at 900,000 in the year to June 2023, which Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer blames on the previous Conservative government — 22 percent higher than the original numbers. He says they had pledged to get the numbers down multiple times and failed every time. UK correspondent Kay Oliver told Heather du Plessis-Allan the big question remains how much of it is legitimate and genuine, but also how much of it is uncontrolled. Meanwhile, ex-soldier Daniel Khalife has been found guilty of spying for Iran, and the world’s oldest man John Tinniswood, who was born the same year the Titanic sank, has died aged 112. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China has been preparing for Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs. The US President-elect is pledging to add another 10 percent on top of existing tariffs on Chinese exports, where he also slapped tariffs on Mexico and Canada. In a post on Truth Social, Trump has made more about curtailing the supply of drugs and reducing illegal immigration.  But Asia business correspondent Peter Lewis told Heather du Plessis-Allan it’s hard to know what China can really do about that. He says economists predict the tariffs will reduce exports by about 15 percent, knocking off about 0.5 percent of China’s GDP. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new 'confirmation of payee' service is being rolled out by the banks. Now when making a bank transfer to someone new, when entering in the name and account number, users will now get a warning if the two don’t match. The idea is to make it easier to spot being scammed. GetVerified chief executive Duncan Robertson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Sport Breakfast Wellington host Adam Cooper and NZB Kiwi head of communications Andrew Gourdie joined Heather du Plessis-Allan on the Sports Huddle. The Black Caps have work to do after England’s fightback at Hagley Oval, with the visitors buoyed by Harry Brook’s century. Damian McKenzie has been given a spot in World Rugby’s best XV for 2024, but there are some questions over it. And questions over whether to loosen eligibility rules for the All Blacks going on sabbaticals. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's plans to do away with high-earning workers rights to claim unjustified dismissal is copping flack from an employment lawyer. Under the proposal, anyone making more than $180,000 a year will lose out on that current legal avenue if they lose their jobs. Employment law expert Max Whitehead told Heather du Plessis-Allan this is an unfair winding back of employees' legal protections. He asks who would want to be a senior manager right now — it's a tough world out there for the big timers in business. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps still have some work to do in Day 2 of their opening test against England at Hagley Oval. The hosts were bowled out for 348 at the start of the day, but England continue to chase down their target, buoyed by a century for Harry Brook. The high point for the Black Caps’ bowling efforts has been Nathan Smith, who bagged two wickets in the opening session. Newstalk ZB Sport reader Andrew Alderson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some action's already been taken to try and prevent a repeat of the HMNZS Manawanui sinking. The navy vessel went down nearly two months ago after hitting a reef during a survey of the Samoan coast. The interim Court of Inquiry report's found it was caused by a series of human errors - with the crew failing to turn off the ship's auto-pilot when they were supposed too. As they tried to slow it down, they instead accelerated faster into the reef. Defence Minister Judith Collins told Heather du Plessis-Allan it’s incomprehensible. “Except that we also know that sometimes even with the best will in the world, people make mistakes, and then someone else makes a mistake, and it becomes, in this case, a lost ship and people’s lives being unnecessarily put at risk.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eden Park has been granted consent to host double the number of concerts in a year. The Auckland stadium will now be able to host 12 concerts a year from six different artists. CEO Nick Sautner told Heather du Plessis-Allan promoters are delighted with the announcement. But he says they're limited to six artists under the conditions of the consent. “Over time we wanted to build a level of comfort with everyone, including public transport providers to know that we can get people to and from the venue, or indeed the local businesses to receive the economic benefit.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An interim Court of Inquiry report has found the HMSNZ Manawanui’s sinking was caused by a series of human errors. The navy vessel went down nearly two months ago after hitting a reef during a survey of the Samoan coast. The report found the crew had failed to turn off the ship’s auto-pilot when supposed too, but as they tried to slow it down, they accelerated into the reef, and wasn’t until 10 minutes later when autopilot was switched off that they regained control. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vladimir Putin has praised US President-elect Donald Trump as an “intelligent and experienced” politician capable of finding “solutions”, as tensions ramp up between Russia and the West. The Russian President has also blamed current President Joe Biden for “creating additional difficulties” for the incoming administration, after Biden gave Ukraine permission to fire longer-range American missiles inside Russia. Trump had previously pledged to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, without saying how. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

England continue to make inroads on the Black Caps in the first test match in Christchurch. New Zealand set a total of 348 early on day 2, but despite getting the top order out, Harry Brook and Ollie Pope’s partnership has frustrated the hosts. Meanwhile, five-time tennis grand slam winner Iga Swiatek has accepted a one month suspension after testing positive for a banned substance, caused by contamination of her medication melatonin. Weekend Sport host Elliott Smith joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions over how Australia's ban on under 16's using social media will be enforced. Social media sites will be slapped with fines, if they fail to take reasonable steps to follow the law — which kicks in at the end of the year. But a Professor of Internet Studies says there is no instruction on how to check for age. Curtin University's Tama Leaver told Heather du Plessis-Allan the easiest way would be for companies to request some kind of government-issued identification. “We’ve added an amendment so that platforms aren’t allowed to ask for that because there were privacy concerns, so the exact technicality of how they’re going to do age verification is very much up in the air.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.