Media Release – For immediate release

27 June 2000

SOE MINISTER AT ODDS WITH TRUMPER OVER AIRWAYS PAPERS

The SOE Minister should immediately release the Trumper papers which have been subject to an inquiry by the Auditor-General, said the New Zealand First Leader, Rt Hon Winston Peters.

Mr Peters said today that he had sought the papers from the Minister under the Official Information Act but the request had been turned down on the grounds of confidentiality.

“This is at odds with Mr Trumper’s own statement criticising the secrecy of the inquiry because he believed the public had a right to hear what had been disclosed.

“Mr Trumper has also authorised the Crown to release all his evidence and this has not been done.

“I am deeply concerned about this lack of public accountability in the Minister’s office and the extent to which his officials are keeping Airways Corporation issues behind closed doors,” said Mr Peters.

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