14 September 2001

Media Statement

Ansett Australia decision

Acting Prime Minister Jim Anderton has expressed sympathy for Ansett employees and others in related service industries affected by the decision to place the airline in voluntary administration.

"The New Zealand Government regrets that this decision has left many ordinary Australians facing personal and financial difficulties through no fault of their own.

"Ansett has a long and proud tradition in Australian aviation.

"This is not the outcome the New Zealand Government would have wished for. The decision to place Ansett in voluntary dministration was taken by the board of a privately-owned airline. The Government worked hard with the Government of Australia to help the owners achieve a different solution.

"Ansett Australia was already struggling at the time that Air New Zealand completed its purchase last year. Since then it has lost value rapidly.

"As Dr Cullen has outlined today, unfortunately, there was nothing the New Zealand Government could to to change that," Jim Anderton said.

ENDS

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