Thursday 15th Mar 2001 Penny Webster Media Release -- Other

ACT Transport Spokesman Penny Webster today welcomed Ian MacKay’s shipping industry report, but expressed her strong concern at some union-inspired ideas within the review.

“I agree with Mr MacKay that shippers should have access to a competitive range of services. The proposal of ‘hubbing’ is long overdue. However, I am alarmed at some of the enquiry group’s other suggestions.

“Wrapping the shipping industry in red tape and heaping special taxes on exporters would take New Zealand back decades. We already have subsidies on overseas goods – we don’t need to add yet another burden to stretched exporters.

“I am most disturbed at any move that would take our shipping industry back to the days of cabotage. The wharfies used to hold this country to ransom – we must ensure that never happens again.

“This report has far-reaching implications. It is now up to the Government to sift through the review, reject the foolish ideas and embrace the good ones,” said Penny Webster.

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