27 January 2011
Today was one more tragic step towards a resolution for Pike River mining families, said Damien O'Connor labour West Coast/Tasman based MP.

"There is still huge amount of information to be gathered and lessons to be learned for the mining industry," Damien O'Connor said.

"The community is still reeling under the combined emotional shock of the disaster and the economic impacts of the mine closure.

"For the businesses of the Grey District and subcontractors in particular the loss of income and non-payment of money owed by Pike may be disastrous.

"I find it abhorrent that that the government and receivers can't ensure payment to the subcontractors when so much was said about support for the community at the time of the disaster.

"These businesses are the community and if they also fail because of the disaster the West Coast will be deeply affected.

"I would have expected this issue of payments to have been resolved between the Government and receivers and I commit to supporting them in any way I can to get their hard earned money as they deserve.

"I will be doing everything I can to advocate for West Coast companies," Damien O'Connor said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media