Podcasts about transport minister

The Government has set aside $68.5 million for an interest free EV charger loan scheme. The private sector will be able to apply for a loan to increase the number of chargers in New Zealand. It's committed to 10,000 public chargers by 2030, up from around 1,400 currently available. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fine Gael TD Barry Ward is urging Transport Minister to speak to Ryanair about customers allegedly being forced to pay to bring suitcases on board

The wheels are in motion for South Auckland's Mill Road project. Transport Minister Chris Bishop has announced $91.1 million has been approved for completing design and consent work on the Manukau to Alfriston sections. It includes a four-lane general traffic corridor, with a westbound bus lane at the northern end. Bishop says the road will be tolled - allowing the road users to help pay the cost of the road. "All the new Roads of National Significance that we want to build around the country - we said, as a starting point, they will be tolled, because that's a way of bringing forward the investment." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A proposed new route over the slip-plagued Brynderwyn Hills may shelve the bypass to the west - in favour of an eastern route close to state highway one. We can't go around it, we can't go through it, we'll have to go over it. Transport Minister Chris Bishop spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The Transport Minister says there's a chance the new Northland Expressway project will have a budget blowout. The road will go from Warkworth, east of State Highway one, and over the Brynderwyn Hills to the east of the current route, then through Whangarei. It's expected to take around 15 years to complete and is one of New Zealand's most expensive infrastructure projects. Transport Minister Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking they're doing a lot of preparation work now to make sure there aren't any slip-ups. He says they're working on detailed designs, consenting work, and getting the funding model right, but slippages in cost can't be ruled out. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy together with her deputy, Mkhuleko Hlengwa are interacting with drivers at Kranskop on the N1 as travelers head back to their destinations following the Easter Weekend. Creecy is encouraging drivers to remain vigilant and drive safety in order to arrive safely. She also notes that it remains concerning that a drunk driver attempted to bribe a traffic officer and will be appearing in court on Tuesday. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC Reporters, Fanele Mhlongo and Motsebi Monareng

Bongani Bingwa Speaks with Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy about the easter road safety campaign. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Find all the catch-up podcasts here https://www.primediaplus.com/702/702-breakfast-with-bongani-bingwa/audio-podcasts/702-breakfast-with-bongani-bingwa/ Listen live - 702 Breakfast is broadcast weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) https://www.primediaplus.com/station/702 Subscribe to the 702 daily and weekly newsletters https://www.primediaplus.com/competitions/newsletter-subscription/  Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702   702 on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702  702 on Instagram: www.instagram.com/talkradio702  702 on X: www.x.com/Radio702  702 on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@radio702  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes are coming to our drivers licensing system, with only one practical test in a bid to have more Kiwis on full licenses. Transport minister Chris Bishop tells Mike Hosking a lot of people 'don't bother' graduating from a restricted to full license. "There are a lot of people out there right now breaking the law, just driving on the restricted," he said. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Trump dropped new tariff rates on imports from most U.S. trade partners to 10% for 90 days to allow trade negotiations with those countries, while raising the tariffs imposed on imports from China to 125% “effective immediately”.The EGP dipped against the USD during trading yesterday, setting a new post-float low as the greenback changed hands for EGP 51.72-51.75.The Sovereign Fund of Egypt (SFE) will begin restructuring five military-owned companies ahead of their planned listing. The firms are filling station operator Wataneya, bottled water company Safi, food manufacturer Silo Foods, fuel retailer Chill Out, and the National Roads Company. The offerings will take place between this year and 2026.Egypt is planning on issuing USD2 bn in sukuk in 2025 through multiple offerings.Some 29 French companies discussed plans to invest in the local manufacturing and transport sectors during a meeting with Industry and Transport Minister.Egypt is preparing to receive a Moroccan government delegation in the coming weeks to continue talks on resolving a trade imbalance between the two countries.Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly revealed that Egypt has begun taking preemptive measures to address the global trade war, including hedging the purchase of some strategic commodities, most notably wheat. The government has decided not to renew oil price hedging contracts, which expired at the end of last March and covered 35% of the contracts, in light of the sharp decline in oil prices below USD60 per barrel. Egypt's trade deficit declined by 0.58% YoY in January, recording USD3.42 billion, compared to USD3.44 billion in January 2024.Prime Minister Madbouly set the date for offering state-owned assets in downtown Cairo next June.Two new projects with investments estimated at approximately USD58 million within the scope of the Chinese-owned "TEDA-Egypt" industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone were founded yesterday, in the home appliances and food industries' sectors.QNBE (FV: EGP70.00, OW) recorded healthy results where 1Q25 net profit post-minority interest recorded EGP7,186 million (+14% q/q, +2% y/y). The stock is currently trading at 2025 multiples of P/B of 0.6x and P/E of 2.4x.Banque du Caire proposed capital increase received the approval of the EGX's listing committee. The bank will increase its issued and paid-in capital by EGP1.5 bn to EGP20.5 bn through issuing 750 mn new shares with a nominal value of EGP2 per share.PHDC (FV: EGP8.97, OW) Board approved a EGP1.3 billion loan for its subsidiary to finance the construction of 200 hotel rooms in Hacienda White on the North Coast. In addition, the EGM approved a EGP40.0 million capital decrease through retiring treasury shares.EKHO will pay out cash dividend of USD0.035 per share on its 2024 earnings after its general assembly approved the move. The assembly also approved the distribution of USD14.1 mn in bonus shares.PHAR stated in an EGX release that the record date for its 2024 dividend of EGP3.0/share is 17th of April, 2025. It added that the dividend will be distributed on two installments, the first one is EGP1.5/share with a distribution date of 24th of April, 2025 and the second one is EGP1.5/share with a distribution date of 15th of September, 2025. 

What's it like being Singapore's Minister for Transport, the lightning rod for public frustration, whenever transport disruptions occur? How did Mr Chee Hong Tat navigate the SimplyGo crisis just weeks into his new role? What were Mr Lee Kuan Yew's last words to him before his passing?In today's podcast, we sit down with Mr Chee Hong Tat, Singapore's Minister for Transport, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to shoulder the responsibility of ensuring the smooth operation of Singapore's public transport system, relied on by millions of commuters every day, and to discuss upcoming upgrades to Singapore's transport network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Federal Transport Minister Catherine King joined Tom Elliott. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's confidence roadside drug testing won't pick up prescription drugs. Legislation giving police powers to do random saliva tests has passed its third and final reading in Parliament. Police should be ready to use tests late this year. Transport Minister Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking there will be two tests at the roadside. He says it will be testing for cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Lester Kiewit speaks to Andrew Pike, Senior Consultant at Bowmans and Head of their Ports, Rail and Logistics Sector, about the government launching an online Request for Information (RFI) to allow private participation in the ailing sector. They discuss whether Transport Minister Barbara Creecy is on the right track to revitalise South Africa’s rail network and boost the economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Corder speaks with Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy about the urgent interventions being put in place to address the crisis that is currently faced by South Africa’s air traffic control system. Widespread flight delays, safety concerns, and regulatory failures at Air Traffic & Navigation Services (ATNS) have left the aviation industry struggling to operate efficiently.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Transport Minister said he's not getting ahead of decisions on the second Waitemata Harbour crossing - saying history has shown where it's gone wrong. At the government's infrastructure investment summit, Chris Bishop told potential investors he wants to work with them on what will work - from design, to how it's paid for. Labour also layed out the circumstances in which it will work with private investors and when it won't. Political reporter Giles Dexter has more.

Ray White speaks to Barbare Creecy, the minister of transport about her aim to seek court ruling on the licence tender. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A preferred route for Cork's light rail is to be announced within weeks as the Transport Minister hopes to get the project to planning before the end of the year.The project is expected to cost about €3 billion…But, does Cork need it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ken O'Flynn, Independent Ireland TD for Cork, Stephan Koch, UCC Commuter Plan Manager, Joe Lawton, Bus Driver for Martin Twomey's Coaches Cork & former Bus Éireann driver for 48 years and more.Image: Cork City Council

The Sunshine State set to receive $200 million for a variety of infrastructure projects including the Story Bridge. The Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast, "We need to make sure this bridge stays there into the future and is as strong as it possibly can be and we keep it there for many, many generations to enjoy," Mrs. King said. Peter Fegan also questioned the Infrastructure Minister over funding on the Bruce Highway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sobering festive season road accident figures released by the Transport Minister were a stark reminder that for many, our festive season is anything but. Road accidents are but one of the December/January heightened mortality risks including:Andrew Fulton, Director at Eighty20.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anita Anand, Transport Minister; Bill Browder, Hermitage Capital; The Front Bench with: Scott Reid, Jamie Ellerton, Karl Bélanger & Nojoud Al Mallees

This is a special episode of Transit Unplugged from our sister podcast, Mobility Redefined. Learn more about this great new show on their website: https://mobilityredefined.com/. Below are the original show notes for the episode:In this episode of Mobility Redefined, host Dr. Kaan Yildizgoz speaks with Juan Carlos Muñoz, Chile's Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, about the nation's journey to sustainable mobility. They discuss Chile's ambitious 2050 carbon neutrality goal, the electrification of Santiago's world-leading bus fleet, and efforts to expand these innovations nationwide.Minister Muñoz shares insights on integrating sustainable urban planning with initiatives like “15-minute cities” and highlights the transformative impact of electric buses on accessibility, user experience, and emissions reduction. The conversation also explores strategies for tackling fare evasion, the importance of governance in transport systems, and the role of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in creating efficient, flexible networks.Chile's global leadership in transport innovation offers valuable lessons for cities worldwide, from decarbonisation to inclusive urban design.Episode Highlights:• Chile's Carbon Neutrality Goal: Minister Muñoz discusses Chile's pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and the transport sector's pivotal role.• Electrification Success Story: Santiago boasts the largest electric bus fleet outside China, with plans for nationwide expansion.• Buses as a Catalyst for Change: Electric buses improve service quality, reduce operational costs, and elevate user experience with features like air conditioning, USB ports, and Wi-Fi.• Governance and Regulation: Insights into how effective policies ensure reliable and affordable transport, addressing funding challenges and fostering innovation.• Tackling Fare Evasion: Multifaceted strategies, from turnstiles to digital payment options, are helping reduce fare evasion rates in Santiago.• Urban Sustainability Vision: Beyond electrification, Minister Muñoz emphasises the importance of shorter trips, integrated systems, and 15-minute cities for a sustainable future.• The Role of BRT Systems: Reflections on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as a flexible and cost-effective solution complementing metro networks.Key Takeaways:• Transforming public transport not only improves urban mobility but also contributes to better health, safety, and equity.• Strong governance, stakeholder collaboration, and citizen engagement are essential for sustainable mobility initiatives.• Chile offers valuable lessons for global cities striving to enhance their public transport systems.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Mobility Redefined00:25 Meet Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz01:23 Chile's Commitment to Carbon Neutrality06:55 Challenges and Innovations in Public Transport13:46 The Role of Governance and Funding22:19 The Future of BRT Systems27:29 Tackling Fare Evasion in SantiagoConnect with Us:Website: https://mobilityredefined.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobility-redefined/Mobility Redefined is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.comHost: Dr. Kaan YildizgozProducer: Mike CartmelExecutive Producer: Darren TurpinSpecial thanks to:Brand design: Tina OlagundoyeDigital Media: Belén Iturrioz CampoMarketing content and Mobility Redefined newsletter: Mike CartmelIf you have a question or comment, email us at mike.cartmel@modaxo.comDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily...

The National Transport Authority and the Minister for Transport are being urged to intervene, amid complaints over an Ennis bus service said to be in decline. Representatives from Dublin Coach are to be invited to attend a meeting of the county town's elected councillors amid reports of a "growing number of issues" with its Green Bus service from Ennis to Dublin. Starting in Tralee and terminating at Bachelor's Quay in Dublin, Dublin Coach's M7 Express Service operates daily, serving Ennis and Bunratty as well as the likes of Killarney, Adare, Annacotty and Kildare Village. Although it was hailed for its efficiency and value for money when first launched in 2013, there has been a rising number of complaints in recent years relating to punctuality and capacity, as well as alleged "no-show" buses. On foot of these reports, Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard has tabled a motion at this week's Ennis Muncipal District meeting requesting that Dublin Coach representatives are invited to the next meeting to explain the reasons for these issues and outline how they'll be addressed. Councillor Howard says while a shortage of drivers appears to be a problem, solutions must be sought as the service is currently failing those in need of it. The motion received unanimous support in the chamber with Councillor Tom O'Callaghan saying it was a "fantastic service when it started" but has since disimproved and Councillor Paul Murphy claiming people are being "left at the side of the road" on a regular basis. Councilor Tommy Guilfoyle criticised the ownership model of Dublin Coach, which is one of the largest privately-owned public transport companies in Ireland, saying the issues discussed are an inevitable consequence of the "privatisation of public services". As a result of the motion, Dublin Coach will now be contacted with a view to a briefing being set up between them and the Ennis MD councillors. Although a private entity, the company is licensed by the National Transport Authority which operates under the aegis of the Department of Transport. Longtime public transport advocate and Ennis Green Party representative Brigid Ginnity says given this fact, remedying the issues raised is the Government's responsibility.

Today's headlines include: NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen has announced she’s stepping down from the portfolio over claims she used her ministerial driver for private trips. Matildas star Sam Kerr has faced court in London after being charged with racially aggravated abuse of a police officer. U.S. tariffs (taxes) on imports from Mexico and Canada will be paused after separate deals were reached. And today’s good news: A successful breeding program led by the London Zoo has led to the births of 33 endangered frogs.Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Billi FitzSimonsProducer: Elliot Lawry Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jo Haylen has quit as the New South Wales transport minister after it was revealed she used a ministerial car for personal purposes. It recently emerged that Haylen had asked her chauffeur to take her and some friends to a winery lunch on the Australia Day holiday weekend in a 13-hour 446km round-trip. It was also reported that Haylen used a taxpayer-funded driver to ferry herself and her children from Caves Beach to Sydney for weekend sporting events. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this isn't a good look for an MP to use a tax-payer funded vehicle for personal reasons. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Wingrove, Bloomberg; Derek Burney, Former Canadian Ambassador to the U.S.; Anita Anand, Transport Minister; The Front Bench with: Gary Mar, Gary Doer & Stephanie Levitz.

The Transport Minister says the Government's more focused on drunk and drugged drivers than speed limits. The Government has reversed the first of 38 speed limit reductions across the country's State Highways. The rest are due to come into force before July, while another 49 sections of road are open for public consultation. Transport Minister Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking his goal is to address what he claims is the number one killer on New Zealand roads: drugs and alcohol. He says the country is being brought into line with other jurisdictions with roadside drug testing and increased breath testing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More roads could get faster - beyond the Government's planned changes to speed limits on 38 sections of road. The Government is reversing speed limit reductions on those stretches by July, with work set to start tonight. The Prime Minister believes it'll help people get to jobs faster, pushing economic growth. Transport Minister Chris Bishop says 49 roads deemed 'more complicated' will be consulted on. "There are some nasty sections of those roads - we're going to consult on them and it may be that NZTA says the default will go back up to 100, for example, but there will be bits where we keep the speed limit." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Holley, CEO of Traxion, Africa's largest private rail and rail services company, tell Peter Bruce in this edition of Podcasts from the Edge that the company is dead keen to participate in the long-promised concessioning of rail routes owned by Transnet to the private sector and now that Transport Minister has released an almost complete Network Statement the final preparations for the award of concessions are in place. But there's a problem. Transnet's track and systems are old and broken, in “a critical state of disrepair” according to the statement. And Transnet, which moved 226m tonnes of bulk and freight in 2017/18 managed only 152m tonnes in 2023/24. So while train operators are lining up to run on the Transnet corridors, the track and the systems on them need eye-watering investment. If the government get the money flowing it could make a huge difference to our fortunes and Holley believes it will. And it wasn't the truck that forced rail off the rails he reminds Bruce, “it was just maintenance"

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille described the “absolute chaos” at O.R. Tambo International Airport, where flights were delayed due to aircraft refuelling problems during South Africa's peak tourism season, as both very disappointing and worrying. In an interview with BizNews, De Lille criticised the Airports Company of South Africa for failing to ensure adequate preparedness for the peak tourism season. She has called for a meeting with the Transport Minister to convene all stakeholders and establish a robust contingency plan. The minister, who has just returned from a trip to India, highlighted significant progress in unlocking the vast potential of the Indian market for South Africa. This includes visa reforms for India and China, set to commence in January next year, as well as ongoing negotiations to re-establish direct flights between India and South Africa. Reflecting on tensions within the Government of National Unity—particularly around controversial policies such as the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill and the National Health Insurance (NHI) plan—De Lille expressed optimism about achieving “sufficient consensus,” a principle that underpinned South Africa's democratic transition.

The police have missed out on a $6 million funding incentive for failing to issue enough speeding tickets. The Transport Minister promised earlier in the year that police could expect to receive $72 million as part of their funding from NZTA - if certain road policing targets were met. AA Road Safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen says police managed to exceed alcohol testing targets this quarter - which the association is pleased to see. "Really, this is just part of a huge push from the Government here to increase the amount of enforcement around alcohol and drugs and speeding." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We quiz the Transport Minister about delayed and cancelled government contracts: he says the Paphos-Polis highway will be delivered in 3 years' time; experts from Sweden brief Cypriot hoteliers on sustainable practices in the tourism industry.

A shake-up of Auckland's transport agency will see it stripped of decision-making powers to focus on delivering public transport services. Transport Minister Simeon Brown spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Transport Minister says changes to Auckland Transport have been a long time coming. Auckland Transport will have its right to make decisions about policy, planning, and strategy taken away. A new regional transport committee will be formed with the goal of creating a 30-year transport plan. Simeon Brown told Mike Hosking AT took the news well. He's spoken with the Chief Executive who's keen to help make the transition. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I am really uncomfortable with MP's voting for State Suicide today. Do you really trust the self serving pigs of Westminster not to let the guidelines be relaxed? Was there any real need to change the law? One thing for sure is that five hours debate on a Friday was not enough time to discuss this vital subject. Transport Minister, Louise Haigh has resigned after it was revealed she is a convicted fraudster. The story is even more complicated as one has to question what did Starmer know about her past? This Government is getting engulfed by expenses scandals,freebies, CV fiddling and is becoming a joke, a sick joke. Ed Balls interviews his missus, Andi Peters roughs up Starmer, How long before Timmy Flipping Mallet becomes speaker of the House! Support me here www.buymeacoffee.com/jongaunt 

The Transport Minister says councils have other options to increase revenue, not just through higher fares. NZTA's ordering councils take a higher revenue share and agree to new targets by December 19th. Public transport authorities have requested an urgent meeting, saying the targets would see bus, train, and ferry prices surge. But Simeon Brown told Mike Hosking it's a lazy approach to just increase fares. He says councils have a range of tools including increased advertising, sponsorships, corporate fare schemes, and renting out space at train stations. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The transport minister has revealed how much NZTA is spending on traffic management. Minister Simeon Brown spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Transport Agency's spending is in the spotlight. The Transport Minister's calling NZTA's costs “eye-watering” and excessive after revealing a near $800 million spend on traffic management over the past three years. Simeon Brown says a new framework is coming to reduce costs. Traffic Direct General Manager Dev Strause told Mike Hosking it will be made, but change doesn't happen overnight. He says it takes a bit of fine tuning to be able to redevelop and retrain all the workers, especially when some have been in the industry for over a decade. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Transport Agency has spent nearly $800 million on traffic management in the past three years, according to new reports. The Government has revealed the spend went to road cones, temporary traffic management, state highway maintenance and capital works. Transport Minister Simeon Brown says this is an 'exorbitant' sum and the spending needs to come down. "We need to see a much more efficient use of taxpayers' money when it comes to maintaining our roads and keeping road workers safe - we have to get that balance right." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shadow Transport Minister Matthew Guy joined Jacqui Felgate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Transport Minister, Simeon Brown, announced that Auckland's rail network will close for 96 days, with an additional 53 days where operations will be reduced. Brown sites multiple reasons for these closures, which are to develop and upgrade Auckland's rail network. News and Editorial Director, and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the National Coordinator of the Public Transport Users Association New Zealand, Jon Reeves, about this announcement, what the association's thoughts are regarding the matter, and what this will mean for public transport users.

The Transport Minister says KiwiRail will be held accountable for any delays in fixing Auckland's rail network. The rail operator's being given $200 million in government funding to carry out the repairs – needed before the City Rail Link opens. There'll be 96 days of full network closures and 24 days of partial - from Christmas to January 2026. Simeon Brown told Heather du Plessis-Allan KiwiRail's committed strongly to that, and there's no room for delays. “In terms of the timing, there is no more time other than what's been provided.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is facing uncomfortable questions about his relationship with former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, and the flight upgrades he received when he was Transport Minister, and also when he was in Opposition. How much damage has this done to the Prime Minister? Did he handle the whole controversy well?Plus - the verdict is in, on how well Australia responded to the Covid pandemic. We also touch on this week's much-anticipated inflation data, and discuss how it affects the government's election timing. Chief political correspondent David Crowe and chief economics correspondent Shane Wright join Jacqueline Maley to discuss.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is facing uncomfortable questions about his relationship with former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, and the flight upgrades he received when he was Transport Minister, and also when he was in Opposition. How much damage has this done to the Prime Minister? Did he handle the whole controversy well?Plus - the verdict is in, on how well Australia responded to the Covid pandemic. We also touch on this week's much-anticipated inflation data, and discuss how it affects the government's election timing. Chief political correspondent David Crowe and chief economics correspondent Shane Wright join Jacqueline Maley to discuss.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst looks at why Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's free - but declared - upgrades on Qantas flights when he was Transport Minister is attracting so much scrutiny. 

A former Clare member of the National Bus and Rail Union has issued a scathing criticism of the Transport Minister for his stance on a police force for the sector. SIPTU has recommended such a service as part of its 'Travel Safe' plan, in order to quell what it's described as a growing number of on-board anti-social behaviour incidents across the country. In response, Green Party Minister Eamon Ryan has stated he doesn't think a separate police force is the best option and believes improved community policing is the solution. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor and former NBRU member Tony O'Brien says Minister Ryan is miles off the mark.

The Transport Minister is looking at potentially privatising aviation security at airports around the country.

The government has been warned its plan to raise speed limits will injure and kill more motorists on New Zealand roads. A group of nearly 100 academics, road safety experts and health professionals have endorsed an open letter to the Transport Minister and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon - challenging the claim that higher speed limits will boost the economy. Chief executive of the Global Road Safety Partnership, Dave Cliff, spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Israel, furious that six Israeli hostages were killed by Hamas. The demonstrators are angry Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not found a way to bring hostages home safely. Netanyahu remains defiant, even as international allies call for him to secure a ceasefire deal.And: Another barrage of missiles from Russia, just as Ukrainian students begin their first day of school. Ukraine hits back with drone attacks targeting Russian energy infrastructure, and urges world leaders to do more to help.Also: Via Rail passengers were stranded for about ten hours, after their train broke down in rural Quebec. Canada's Transport Minister says he will be looking for answers from Via.Plus… Federal employees will be required to be in the office at least three days a week, staffing shortages in B.C. hospitals, international student work rules, and much more.

Green MP and former Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter championed the previous government's Road to Zero strategy. The safety programme had a target of reducing annual deaths and serious injuries in road crashes by 40 percent by 2030, eventually reaching zero and included installing hundreds of kilometres of median barriers. But in February, the National government anounced it's axing the programme, Julie Anne Genter spoke to Lisa Owen.