Payment To Fishers Inappropriate

Tuesday 2 Dec 2003
Gerry Eckhoff
Press Releases -- Other

ACT New Zealand has always maintained that the ex-gratia payment to fishers, recommended by a majority of the Primary Production Select Committee is inappropriate, ACT New Zealand Fisheries Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff said today.

"While being sympathetic to the plight of fishers, the correct procedure is for the Fisheries Ministry to negotiate compensation directly, without a pre-determined benchmark figure," Mr Eckhoff said.

"ACT believes that it is not appropriate for Select Committee to recommend the payment of millions of dollars without first having a precise and principled basis on which each affected fisherman's situation can be assessed. ACT cannot discern that principle.

"While I agree with the body of the Committee's report, I have concerns over the Committee's recommendations in the allocation of taxpayer funds.

"ACT believes there is now potential for claims to be lodged against all Government departments which have exercised unfairness," Mr Eckhoff said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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