Seymour Proposes Cabinet Cut Downs, Members Bill To Remove Climate Disclosures for Banks and Senior Doctors Strikes w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 05 May, 2025

ACT Party leader David Seymour has made headlines with his proposal to abolish a number of ministerial portfolios and reduce the size of Cabinet, calling the current line-up “bloated.” He argues that fewer ministers would mean a more efficient and focused government.

Seymour’s proposal has raised questions about how cuts would impact already underrepresented communities, with concerns removing ministries like Pacific Peoples and Māori Development could reduce vital advocacy and attention. 

For our weekly catch up, Producer Evie spoke to ACT MP Simon Court about the proposal, and whether it would genuinely streamline government — or simply overburden remaining ministers. 

They also discussed a new member’s bill from ACT aimed at removing mandatory climate-related disclosures for banks. ACT says the rules currently disadvantage rural borrowers and farmers, while critics argue the move signals a retreat from climate responsibility. 

And finally, they spoke about last week’s unprecedented strike action by senior doctors, which saw over 5,000 walk off the job nationwide.