Media Statement
11th April 2005

Statement By Brian Evans, CEO, Fairfax New Zealand

We are fully reviewing the unclassified portions of the Inspector General's report made available today.

The subject matter of The Sunday Star-Times' investigation held significant implications for the citizens of this country. It is the duty of The Sunday Star-Times, and all of our newspapers, to investigate and report on topics of this nature. This is a fundamental responsibility we hold as newspaper publishers in a democratic society.

Recognising the complexity of the issues involved in the SST's report, and the questions that have been raised, Fairfax NZ has over the past several weeks been fully examining the editorial processes and procedures involved in publishing the stories.

The Inspector General's report will assist our efforts.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell:
On Putting Profit Potential Ahead Of Human Potential

Does New Zealand – despite our claims to egalitarianism and everyone being equal before the law – treat the people engaged in tax evasion more leniently than the people who commit welfare fraud? Yes, we do.

Earlier research by Victoria University associate professor Lisa Marriott has shown that while both offences are of the same kind (financial crimes) and have the same victim (the government, and society) the two get treated very differently from a prosecution point of view...

This week, Marriott released the next stage of her research findings, which are entirely consistent with what went before. Apparently, the government agencies involved also treat tax offenders more leniently than they treat welfare offenders. More>>