SOLO-NZ Press Release: Commerce Commission Crumbums

December 16, 2008

The hopeless bureaucrats of New Zealand's Commerce Commission have again decided to sink their fangs where they do not belong, notes SOLO spokesman Philip Duck.

The commission is undertaking an action in the High Court against 13 airlines and seven airline staff for 'extensive and long-term cartel activity in the air cargo market.'

"The Commission's bovver boys and its head bovver girl, Paula Rebstock, are hoping that the court will 'fine' the airlines 'in the tens of millions of dollars,' claiming 'it [cartel activity] results in consumers and businesses paying higher prices and having less choice than if competitors were competing honestly.'

"Bollocks to that, Jackboots Rebstock! That's not a fine; that's theft. What's dishonest about businesses getting together to maximise their profits? And, why is it any of your concern what private companies get up to, as long as no force or fraud is involved?

"And, pray tell, Rebstock, why is it exactly that the airlines have an obligation to use their money to provide New Zealanders with low prices and more choice? If New Zealand consumers and businesses don't like it, they can lump it, or seek an alternative. Or," concludes Duck, "maybe the suitably-outraged, such as you Rebstock, could start a new cargo airline. Unlikely though isn't it Paula? You are, of course, more of a destroyer than a creator."

ENDS

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