ABC News Net:
Aust and NZ to discuss Ansett bail out
The Australian and New Zealand Governments are expected to enter into talks later today on a possible bail out of struggling Ansett Airlines.
Meanwhile, the Opposition has called for a quick resolution to save 15,000 jobs.
Treasurer Peter Costello and his New Zealand counterpart Michael Cullen are expected to discuss options for Ansett including a taxpayer funded rescue package.
Both are attending the APEC Finance Ministers Conference in China.
The Shadow Transport and Regional Development Minister, Martin Ferguson, says Australia is staring at an aviation crisis.
Mr Ferguson has cautioned against a capital bail out calling for both governments to explore the true state of Air New Zealand and Ansett first.
"It is not the responsibility of Government to start putting on the table a tax payer funded bail out," he said.
Meanwhile, the board of Air New Zealand has adjourned its meeting until Monday and will not make any formal requests to either Government until after the meeting.
Stott Despoja
Democrats leader Natasha Stott Despoja says the Government needs to spell out its plans for Ansett.
"I think that there are broader issues that need to be addressed," she said.
"First of all, not only how much money would be involved, we have heard reports of up to a billion dollars.
"How that money will be used, is it for capital, is it for infrastructure?
"What does it mean for a fleet that is one of the most aged in the world."
Flight attendants
The Flight Attendants Association has described the debate over Ansett's future as inhumane with little or no regard to the impact on workers in the industry.
The association wants the Federal Government to ensure that the jobs of Ansett workers are protected in any deal reached.