Charter Schools Bill Controversy, Gun Regulations Passed without Public Consultation and the Verdict on Maori Wards Referendums w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 9 September, 2024

To add to the contention surrounding David Seymour's revitalisation of charter schools, new documents have revealed that the bill may go against international labour obligations and fair trade agreements. 

A select committee report revealed a late addition to the charter schools bill, blocking staff at the schools from joining Multi-Employer Collective Agreements, which enable employees to be tied to unions. 

This sparked controversy, with opposition MPs concerned about the omission of this information from the select committee and the public. 

For their weekly catch up, Producer Evie spoke to the ACT Party’s Simon Court about why staff should be prohibited from these collectives, and why the information was withheld from the public. 

She also asked him about new concerns surrounding Nicole McKee and firearms reform, in which McKee used her power as a Government minister to reduce regulation for gun clubs — without any public consultation.

And finally they talked about the ACT party’s views on 43 out of 45 councils voting to hold a referendum on their Maori wards, rather than disestablishing them.