The Government is neither ruling in nor out an increase in fuel taxes as it works on a new transport strategy.

The plan, which will go out for consultation this year, promises a pivot towards public transport and away from emissions-intensive investments like highways.

It could mean swapping car parks for new bus lanes and cycleways.

Transport Minister Michael Wood told Mike Hosking that they're yet to put out a draft document.

He says governments in the past have put Road User Charges and Excise Duty taxes up, but they haven't decided that at this stage.

LISTEN ABOVE

The Government is neither ruling in nor out an increase in fuel taxes as it works on a new transport strategy.
The plan, which will go out for consultation this year, promises a pivot towards public transport and away from emissions-intensive investments like highways.
It could mean swapping car parks for new bus lanes and cycleways.
Transport Minister Michael Wood told Mike Hosking that they're yet to put out a draft document.
He says governments in the past have put Road User Charges and Excise Duty taxes up, but they haven't decided that at this stage.
LISTEN ABOVE

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The Mike Hosking Breakfast always cuts through and delivers the best daily on Newstalk ZB.

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show. Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda. The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion, delivers the best talent, and always leaves you wanting more. The Mike Hosking Breakfast always cuts through and delivers the best daily on Newstalk ZB.

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.

Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.

The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion,...

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Michael Wood: Transport Minister on the Government's new transport strategy

Nigel Farage has made a U-turn regarding the UK’s general election.

The former Ukip and Brexit party leader initially had no plans to stand during the election but has decided to now stand as an MP in Clacton as well as lead the Reform party for the next five years.

This could’ve dealt a potentially damaging blow to the faltering campaign for the Conservative party.

UK Correspondent Enda Brady told Mike Hosking that Farage has been lighting fires around the place for a few weeks now and has now been bounced into running.

He said that while it will certainly cause problems for the Tories, it’s unlikely to change the outcome of this election.

LISTEN ABOVE

Nigel Farage has made a U-turn regarding the UK’s general election. 
The former Ukip and Brexit party leader initially had no plans to stand during the election but has decided to now stand as an MP in Clacton as well as lead the Reform party for the next five years. 
This could’ve dealt a potentially damaging blow to the faltering campaign for the Conservative party. 
UK Correspondent Enda Brady told Mike Hosking that Farage has been lighting fires around the place for a few weeks now and has now been bounced into running. 
He said that while it will certainly cause problems for the Tories, it’s unlikely to change the outcome of this election. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Enda Brady: UK Correspondent on Nigel Farage standing in the UK's general election

This year marks 80 years since the World War II D-Day landings, commemorations taking place in France this week.

At least 25 Heads of Government or State are expected to attend, including US President Joe Biden and King Charles. 

The ceremonies began this morning with parachutists jumping from World War II-era planes into the skies above Normandy.

Europe Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that the main focal point of the commemorations will be on Thursday, the actual anniversary.

LISTEN ABOVE

This year marks 80 years since the World War II D-Day landings, commemorations taking place in France this week. 
At least 25 Heads of Government or State are expected to attend, including US President Joe Biden and King Charles.  
The ceremonies began this morning with parachutists jumping from World War II-era planes into the skies above Normandy. 
Europe Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that the main focal point of the commemorations will be on Thursday, the actual anniversary. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Catherine Field: Europe Correspondent on the World War II D-Day commemorations this week

The word according to reportage was ‘ire’.

The Prime Minister of New Zealand called the Prime Minister of Australia to express his ire at the Direction 99 changes that involves crooks and reprobates being booted out of Australia and sent back to New Zealand because they're not Australians.

The key here, ire or not, is that they are New Zealanders and not Australians, and the reason they are not Australians is because we have, as Kiwis, basically unfettered access and as such, many don’t get around to doing the paperwork.

If you haven't followed the Direction 99 story, I can tell you for nothing it is a mess that has sunk the reputation of the minister concerned. The only reason he hasn’t been sacked is because it would give the opposition a scalp and he is the Prime Minister's mate.

But make no mistake, the damage this has done and is doing to the Government is not to be underestimated and although they have until May next year to call an election, the vast majority of modern Australian Governments don’t get close and it's entirely possible a vote will be called this year.

This is the sort of issue that sinks Governments.

So look at it from their point of view. You have criminals you can boot out of your country because they are not Australians, so, why wouldn’t you?

Between the boat people that arrive illegally and have since been let out of jail and the New Zealander who, instead of taking advantage of a great country like Australia and making the most of it, turns into a thug, it's a nightmare the Government doesn’t need.

The answer is to change the entry laws, i.e. we need a visa to stay in Australia like other countries. The deal we have historically by way of access is unique and we are lucky to have it. The downside is some people abuse it.

A lot of people argue we should reciprocate and should do the same to them. Maybe we should, maybe we shouldn’t. But either way, it doesn’t solve the problem of Kiwis who break the law in Australia getting sent back here.

What we have had until now is Australia being nice. The Direction 99 was a favour to us.

The favour has backfired on the Government of the day. In politics, anywhere you look the golden rule is survival. Being nice is one thing but survival trumps it every time.

Ire or no ire, Albanese won't be helping us out again.

If you're a Kiwi and a crook you are our problem, not his.

The word according to reportage was ‘ire’. 
The Prime Minister of New Zealand called the Prime Minister of Australia to express his ire at the Direction 99 changes that involves crooks and reprobates being booted out of Australia and sent back to New Zealand because they're not Australians. 
The key here, ire or not, is that they are New Zealanders and not Australians, and the reason they are not Australians is because we have, as Kiwis, basically unfettered access and as such, many don’t get around to doing the paperwork. 
If you haven't followed the Direction 99 story, I can tell you for nothing it is a mess that has sunk the reputation of the minister concerned. The only reason he hasn’t been sacked is because it would give the opposition a scalp and he is the Prime Minister's mate. 
But make no mistake, the damage this has done and is doing to the Government is not to be underestimated and although they have until May next year to call an election, the vast majority of modern Australian Governments don’t get close and it's entirely possible a vote will be called this year. 
This is the sort of issue that sinks Governments. 
So look at it from their point of view. You have criminals you can boot out of your country because they are not Australians, so, why wouldn’t you? 
Between the boat people that arrive illegally and have since been let out of jail and the New Zealander who, instead of taking advantage of a great country like Australia and making the most of it, turns into a thug, it's a nightmare the Government doesn’t need. 
The answer is to change the entry laws, i.e. we need a visa to stay in Australia like other countries. The deal we have historically by way of access is unique and we are lucky to have it. The downside is some people abuse it. 
A lot of people argue we should reciprocate and should do the same to them. Maybe we should, maybe we shouldn’t. But either way, it doesn’t solve the problem of Kiwis who break the law in Australia getting sent back here. 
What we have had until now is Australia being nice. The Direction 99 was a favour to us. 
The favour has backfired on the Government of the day. In politics, anywhere you look the golden rule is survival. Being nice is one thing but survival trumps it every time. 
Ire or no ire, Albanese won't be helping us out again. 
If you're a Kiwi and a crook you are our problem, not his.

Michael Wood: Transport Minister on the Government's new transport strategy

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