Hosted by Phil Goff and Chris Finlayson, Cross Party Lines returns for an episode that moves from the Iran peace deal to the election campaign taking shape around them.
On the possible low number of list MPs, it's occurred that right back to the beginnings of MMP there were recommendations that the number of total MPs should increase over time, to retain proportionality. Increasing total MPs has also been recommended multiple times by various reviews of MMP, but turned down by governments of the day alongside other recommendations.
I guess having even more MPs isn't very popular with the public, but those decisions now seem to be coming back to complicate things for larger parties, when even those high on the list can't assume they'll retain a seat because so many are going to small parties that aren't winning electorates. I'm curious to know your thoughts on whether it's time to seriously reconsider if Parliament needs to be given more Seats, and if it should be made automatic so this can't happen as easily again in future.
I've really been enjoying your regular insights.
On the possible low number of list MPs, it's occurred that right back to the beginnings of MMP there were recommendations that the number of total MPs should increase over time, to retain proportionality. Increasing total MPs has also been recommended multiple times by various reviews of MMP, but turned down by governments of the day alongside other recommendations.
I guess having even more MPs isn't very popular with the public, but those decisions now seem to be coming back to complicate things for larger parties, when even those high on the list can't assume they'll retain a seat because so many are going to small parties that aren't winning electorates. I'm curious to know your thoughts on whether it's time to seriously reconsider if Parliament needs to be given more Seats, and if it should be made automatic so this can't happen as easily again in future.