Roger Sowry

National Transport Spokesperson

11 September 2002

Transport papers show dangerous underfunding

Transport briefing papers just released paint a picture of dangerous underfunding to safety agencies, says National's Transport spokesman Roger Sowry.

"The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) admits that it doesn't have enough money to investigate major accidents, and that "this position needs to be resolved urgently."

"The Civil Aviation Authority is also being hit hard by falling passenger numbers, at a time when New Zealand most needs a strong aviation watchdog.

"It shows the desperation of civil servants when they are willing to be so blunt with the Minister in publicly released papers.

"Ordering more reviews and inquiries is the traditional Labour way of fudging an issue, but these bodies require urgent funding. The safety of New Zealanders and the integrity of our transport network can't wait.

"These papers are a wakeup call for the Government at a time when transport safety and security is so important around the world," said Mr Sowry.

Ends

© Scoop Media