The release of confidential information about Air New Zealand by Dr Cullen last week demonstrated a breach of commercial
confidence and complete ignorance over the importance of respecting such information, National's Transport spokesperson
Belinda Vernon said today.
"Dr Cullen's comments relating to the removal of the distinction between the A and B shares were inappropriate and out
of order. The information was not public and his comments resulted in Air New Zealand having to make a statement to the
New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges.
"What level of confidence can New Zealand businesses have in their dealings with the New Zealand Government if sensitive
and confidential information is released by Ministers?
"Dr Cullen's flippant release of Air New Zealand's confidential information raises a question mark over just how much he
and his colleagues can be trusted with commercial confidences. Mr Gosche's dismissive attitude about the release shows
they don't even appreciate there is a problem.
"On top of the alleged breach by Mr Anderton of the Securities Act this betrayal of confidential information emphasises
the lack of commercial nous and the poor ethical standards of the current Labour-Alliance Government.
"Dr Cullen's smart-alec approach to the business community has shown the Government's is out of its depth in dealing
with commercial issues. They've messed up the flagship SOEs of New Zealand Post and TVNZ and now they're starting on
businesses they don't even own," Ms Vernon said.
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