Last ditch bid for Government to rethink Air NZ sale

The National Party’s making an eleventh hour appeal to the Government to hold off on any hasty decision on whether to proceed with the proposed partial sale of Air New Zealand to Qantas.

“There’s just one thing we can be certain of - and that’s the Government will take everything into account except the interests of the travelling public,“ says National Party leader Bill English.

“It’s disappointing the Government hasn’t taken up the proposal to delay the decision until after it’s been considered by the Commerce Commission.

“It’s a disgrace that this major issue’s to be decided in the lead-up to Christmas, giving neither the public nor politicians the chance to put their points of view,” says Mr English.

“Cabinet is due to consider the matter today, although we won’t be told until Wednesday, when it’ll be too late for any Parliamentary debate.

“So here’s the Government which promised us openness and transparency, now giving us anything but,” Mr English says.

“The quality of this decision must be put under scrutiny.

”And we’re demanding the Government release all briefing papers after the announcement on Wednesday.

“If this really is what’s best for national interests, the National Party wants to see the proof,” says Mr English.

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