Friday 28th Jan 2000
Rodney Hide
Media Release -- Economy

Taxpayers have a right to know the cost of settling TVNZ's Hawkesby debacle, according to ACT SOE Spokesman Rodney Hide.

"It's no surprise that Labour's done a complete U-turn on this issue with Broadcasting Minister Marion Hobbs saying 'it was a matter between an employer and a former employee/contractor'.

"This is not the case. As Marion Hobbs so often reminds us TVNZ is owned by the taxpayers of New Zealand. Any substantial payout by that State Owned Enterprise should be disclosed to the company's shareholders - New Zealand taxpayers.

"Marion Hobbs wants to roll up her sleeves and get involved in the management of TVNZ. She campaigned on accountability. Now is her chance.

"No matter how hard TVNZ and the Government try to keep this settlement under wraps, it will come out. Why not be 'open and transparent' about it as Labour promised the state sector would be under their governance? Marion Hobbs should front up and reveal the true cost of this fiasco and exactly what went on at TVNZ.

"This will be the second big payout since Labour took office following Peter Doone's retirement to the Prime Minister's Office this week," said Rodney Hide.

ENDS

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

© Scoop Media