14 September 2001
Media Statement
Ansett Australia decision
Acting Prime Minister Jim Anderton has expressed sympathy for Ansett employees and others in related service industries
affected by the decision to place the airline in voluntary administration.
"The New Zealand Government regrets that this decision has left many ordinary Australians facing personal and financial
difficulties through no fault of their own.
"Ansett has a long and proud tradition in Australian aviation.
"This is not the outcome the New Zealand Government would have wished for. The decision to place Ansett in voluntary
dministration was taken by the board of a privately-owned airline. The Government worked hard with the Government of
Australia to help the owners achieve a different solution.
"Ansett Australia was already struggling at the time that Air New Zealand completed its purchase last year. Since then
it has lost value rapidly.
"As Dr Cullen has outlined today, unfortunately, there was nothing the New Zealand Government could to to change that,"
Jim Anderton said.
ENDS