Prebble Pushes For Inquiry into Armstrong Saga

Monday 21 Oct 2002 Richard Prebble Press Releases -- Governance & Constitution

ACT Leader Richard Prebble said today that he would continue with his intention to request the Commerce Select Committee to hold an urgent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the constructive dismissal of Dr Ross Armstrong.

"I do not believe that Government Ministers - including the Prime Minister - have been frank about their actions in this affair.

"Here we have Dr Armstrong, the chairman of not one but two state-owned enterprises and the previous chairman of the third, a man with a record of service that is unequalled, stating that he believes he was acting on behalf of the Prime Minister. We also know that both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance have recently met with some of New Zealand's largest companies, where the subject of public-private partnerships to build infrastructure such as roads was discussed.

"Dr Cullen raised no objection until the news media pointed out to him the ethical issues.

"Dr Armstrong has strongly maintained that he has done no wrong, and he has disputed both Dr Cullen's and Ms Clark's interpretations of events.

"New Zealand's reputation for transparency is important and can only be upheld if there is a proper, open inquiry. The quickest and cheapest way is for the Commerce Select Committee to hold immediate hearings into the Armstrong sacking," Mr Prebble said.

ENDS

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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