Gosche Creates Civil Aviation Shambles

Friday, September 28 2001 Penny Webster Press Releases -- Transport

The shambles with pilot medical certificates is directly attributable to the poor management of the issue by Minister Mark Gosche, ACT Transport Spokesman Penny Webster said today.

"It is clear Mr Gosche knew of this situation at least a year ago. Why else would he have introduced the Civil Aviation Amendment Bill No. 2 with such haste?

"The Select Committee was told by the Minister's officials and the CAA that the legislation was required to allow the Director to issue certificates. However it appears the Director did have the power, as the legislation that was introduced with such urgency has not been passed, even though the Committee has reported back. We were misled.

"This time-wasting piece of legislation was caused by the Minister reacting instead of thinking the issue through.

"I do not believe Mr Gosche was unaware of what was happening: I know for a fact that aviation industry groups had been telling him the details of this situation for some time.

"Over Christmas, Air New Zealand was forced to reschedule flights because a number of pilots - including very experienced senior captains - could not fly.

"It is well past time for Mr Gosche to clarify the situation. He has been mysteriously silent since the court case that exposed this.

"With uncertainty facing our flag carrier, this extra piece of Government blundering is the last thing anybody needs," Mrs Webster said.

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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