<p>Hosted by <strong>Phil Goff</strong> and <strong>Chris Finlayson </strong>with <strong>Sam Collins</strong>, <em>Cross Party Lines</em> returns with a grounded, institutional-focused episode that looks at how democracy works when it’s doing its job — and where it still needs strengthening.</p><p>This week’s conversation centres on <strong>law, legitimacy, national rituals and rare moments of bipartisan progress</strong>.</p><p><strong>In this week’s episode:</strong></p><p><strong>Judith Collins and the Law Commission</strong> — A deep dive into Collins’ appointment as President of the Law Commission. Phil and Chris weigh her experience as a former Attorney-General and Justice Minister against concerns about partisanship, precedent, and the importance of protecting the Commission’s independence. Is this continuity, risk — or both?</p><p><strong>Waitangi Day and political leadership</strong> — With the Prime Minister choosing not to attend the formal Waitangi Day ceremony, the panel explores precedent, protest, respect, and whether leaders lose political ground by avoiding discomfort.</p><p><strong>Modern slavery legislation</strong> — A rare bipartisan moment as Labour and National combine to advance Camilla Belich and Greg Fleming’s modern slavery bill. Why mandatory supply-chain reporting matters, how New Zealand’s inaction has damaged its reputation, and why progress shouldn’t be held hostage to ideological purity.</p><p><strong>Trade, migration, and scapegoating</strong> — How the modern slavery debate intersects with the India free trade agreement, immigration politics, and the dangers of reheating tired populist narratives that blame migrants for structural problems.</p><p><em>Cross Party Lines</em> exists to lift political literacy and create space for calm, good-faith political conversation.</p><p><strong>New episodes every Tuesday.</strong> If you value thoughtful debate, follow the podcast and share it with someone who might too.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://crosspartylines.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">crosspartylines.substack.com</a>