Damien O’CONNOR
MP for West Coast
5 October 2011
MEDIA STATEMENT

No assurance on Pike River timelines

Further delays by receivers will be a blow for the families awaiting some progress in the recovery of the 29 miners who lost their lives in the Pike River mine, West Coast Labour MP Damien O’Connor says.

“The announcement that the deadline for bids has been extended again is alarming.

“Any tender by an overseas bidder would then be subject to an Overseas Investment Office process that could go on indefinitely, as has happened with the Crafar farms.

“John Key could give no assurance in Parliament today on either action or timelines That’s a big concern considering the upcoming election. Who’s to say a new coalition government wouldn’t sit on its hands as we have seen this one doing?

“Cabinet must stop prevaricating and commit to funding the families’ legal team beyond the Royal Commission now. If it doesn’t any future chance of completing the recovery could be severely limited.

“While the community welcomed the Prime Minister’s assurances during his recent visit to Greymouth recently, further delays in the processes only continue the agony for everyone.

“Action being delayed indefinitely will make a mockery of the so-called Government support,” Damien O’Connor said.

ENDS

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