Forgive my ignorance, but HOW has the Government been roped into the sale of Ansett? I was under the impression that the sale - or otherwise - (to Messrs Fox and Lew - or others) would be determined by the current administrators, and the $195 million was EXCLUSIVELY for payment to Ansett employees, because of the shortfall left by Air New Zealand.
If the $195 million is bundled into the sale of Ansett, this effectively means that the travelling public, post September 13 (and I was one of those) have, unknowingly and unsolicited, FINANCIALLY assisted Messrs Fox and Lew with their acquistion.
I would have expected this type of tactic from our past, corrupt, little, silver bodgie Ozmate - but not from straight shootin' John Howard.
The money - ALL $195 million - rightfully belongs to Ansett employees. Give it to them, and if THEY want the Fox/Lew (ACTU) consortium to have it, let THEM donate it!
[ 17 November 2001: Message edited by: Kaptin M ]