Backbenches 18 June 2014

Backbenches announces:

THIS WEEK ON PRIME TV’s “BACK BENCHES”: Watch Wallace Chapman, Damian Christie, the Back Benches Panel and special guests discuss the week’s hottest topics!

A LICENCE TO TICK OFF A LOT OF PARENTS: A liquor store has opened across the street from a school in Mangere. The school and local board are considering their legal options while restrictions are in place for the liquor store owners such as closing between 3-4pm on school days and prohibiting the sale of RTDs. But do these restrictions go far enough? Should we put more restrictions into where liquor outlets are allowed go? Is alcohol far too available? Especially in poorer communities? Should this be up to local councils or the Government?

THE TOP 10%: Oxfam NZ reports that our top 10% are wealthier than the rest of the population combined. Is inequality worsening in New Zealand? The Government says it has not worsened over the last decade and says they spend billions on support for low income kiwis. How do we combat inequality? Is it about throwing additional money at the problem? Or is it about targeted support? And will the upcoming G20 summit in Melbourne have any solutions?

There are two ways to get in on the political pub action:

First, you can join the live audience in Wellington’s iconic Backbencher Pub on Wednesday, 18th of June at 6pm. Filming begins around 6:15pm.

Or watch us that night on PRIME TV at 10:30pm! http://www.primetv.co.nz/

Plus, Follow us on Facebook (BackBenchesTV) or on Twitter @BackBenchesTV.

Our Panel: Labour MP Jacinda Ardern, National MP Jacqui Dean, Maori Party Co-Leader Te Ururoa Flavell, and Independent MP Brendan Horan.