Wednesday, September 4th, 2002

Come Clean On Transport Strategy, Government Urged

The Transport Strategy released only to selected groups in confidence during the election campaign must be opened up for broad public debate before its adoption, the Employers & Manufacturers Association says.

"We're asking Government to come clean on what it intends to do with its Transport Strategy," said Bruce Goldsworthy, EMA's Manager of Advocacy Services.

"The document appears to be in a final form but has only had a restricted circulation 'in confidence'.

"Releasing it before an opportunity is allowed for further, wide public discussion would make a travesty of our usual democratic processes.

"The Strategy warrants intense scrutiny to ensure it aligns and integrates with, for example, the Auckland Regional Council Transport Strategy.

"We have no confidence at present that this is the case.

"Business is also concerned the Strategy introduces a range of new criteria determining the conditions under which roads qualify for finance from Transfund. These additional criteria have not been opened for public debate and neither are they part of any political party's policy as far as we know."

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