Aust Deputy PM reveals real agenda in Qantas takeover of Air NZ

United Future New Zealand leader, Peter Dunne, says the Australian Deputy PM, John Anderson, has now revealed the true agenda behind the proposed deal that would see Qantas take a 22.5% stake in Air New Zealand.

“Speaking on National Radio,” said Mr Dunne, “Mr Anderson pointed out that the international aviation industry would become increasingly competitive in the years ahead and it was therefore very important for Qantas to see off its nearest rivals so that it could become a major player among the world’s airlines.

“Mr Anderson also remarked that Qantas would always have the upper hand as one Qantas director on Air New Zealand’s board would have to sign off every major decision. “It should be remembered this is the same John Anderson who, as the mouthpiece for Qantas, came to New Zealand in August last year to heavy Finance Minister Michael Cullen and then-Transport Minister Mark Gosche out of any alliance between Singapore Air and Air New Zealand. To New Zealand’s detriment, he succeeded.

“It is now very clear that the proposed Qantas takeover of Air New Zealand is not designed to benefit the New Zealand consumer nor the taxpayer-owned Air New Zealand, but is purely intended to shore up Qantas’s international position and to hell with anyone else,” said Mr Dunne.

“I hope the Commerce Commission is paying careful attention.”

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