Labour Papers Put Onus Back on Mccully to Front up on Legal Risk

The Taxpayers’ Union is repeating its calls for the Government to explain the basis for the apparent legal liability to Hmood Al Ali Al Khalaf, which is being used to justify the controversial ‘Agri-hub’ farm giveaway and payment. Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, says:

“Even with the documents released by the Labour Party, our legal experts can’t come up with any reason why the Government would be liable to Mr Al Khalaf. Now that the dispute has been settled, there can be no prejudice but officials are still just ignoring questions. All we want to know is what treaty, contract or common law duty the apparent claim related to. It is almost as if MFAT have been instructed not to comment.”

"Taxpayers have a right to know whether Government decisions on complicated trade disputes involving their money are based on sound legal advice. Mr McCully should release the documents to dispel any suspicion that he has misled Cabinet, the public or both."

Earlier in the month the Taxpayers’ Union complained to the Auditor General, asking her to investigate the the Saudi Sheep deal, and the NZTE ‘Agri-hub’. The complaint isavailable here.

ENDS

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