Air NZ Debacle Shows Govt Out of Depth

Monday, August 27 2001
Richard Prebble
Press Releases -- Commerce

The government's indecision over Air New Zealand reflects its lack of business experience, ACT leader Richard Prebble says.

"The coalition is out of its depth on commercial matters and can't decide what to do," Mr Prebble said.

"The Air New Zealand shareholding issue is a no-brainer and if there was anyone in the government with real commercial experience the issue would have been decided months ago.

"Also contributing to the government's inability to make up its mind is the problem of coalition politics. The Alliance's irrational opposition to Singapore Airlines' offer and the Greens' extreme ideological opposition to international trade and foreign ownership, has helped paralyse the government.

"Perhaps the most serious aspect of the debacle has been the message to business that the government is unable to make up its mind on business issues," Mr Prebble 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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