24 November 2011

Ombudsman points to National’s agenda for more asset sales

John Key must explain why his Ministers seem to be getting advice regarding extending privatisation to more state-owned assets than publicly admitted, Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman said today.

The Chief Ombudsman Beverley Wakem today turned down the Green Party’s request for Treasury advice on the sale of New Zealand state-owned assets after a two month investigation. In the course of her investigation, Ms Wakem consulted with Treasury about releasing who advised her that [they were] ‘in the preparatory stages of providing advice to Ministers on a possible extension of the mixed ownership model.’

“One day out from the election it appears that National’s real agenda on asset sales has been revealed,” said Dr Norman.

“It seems there will be more. Genesis Energy, Meridian, Mighty River Power, Solid Energy, and Air New Zealand are just the beginning.

“National wants to sell more assets.

“National does have something to hide, the ramping up of their privatisation agenda.

“John Key is currently on a bus trip. He needs to get off the bus and tell the New Zealand public why his ministers are receiving advice from Treasury on selling off more of New Zealand’s assets than he has publicly admitted.”

“There is one way for National to clear this up – that is to release the supressed Treasury documents,” said Dr Norman.

Link to the Ombudsmen’s final decision:
http://www.greens.org.nz/sites/default/files/319684_norman.pdf

Note: Page 7 of Chief Ombudsman Beverley Wakem’s response to Dr Norman.

41. Treasury advised me that it is in the preparatory stages of providing advice to Ministers on a possible extension of the mixed ownership model. It has not yet provided detailed advice to Ministers on whether or how to implement an extension of the mixed ownership model, and will not do so until after the election (if the newly elected Government requires that advice).

ENDS

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