Weds 22nd July
From the Australian press
Bill Rothery, chairman of ship owners John Swire and Sons, told reporters he had put an offer on the table during talks with the premier in Brisbane on Wednesday.
"We have put a proposal to the state government - it's a substantial offer, which will exceed the $14.5 million in legal responsibilities that we have at this stage," Mr Rothery said.
The offer includes compensation for small businesses affected by the spill.
Valid claims would be paid in full, Mr Rothery said.
Ms Bligh told reporters the Swire offer was not good enough.
She said the government would now consider an across the board shipping levy to protect the environment and "flat bans" on Swire interests, including Cathay Pacific.
"Frankly it's an offer that is just not good enough," Ms Bligh said.
"We have a long way to go before the Queensland taxpayer can be adequately reimbursed.
"We shouldn't settle for second best."
The cost of the clean-up to the state government and local councils has been estimated at $34 million.
Bluff and bluster? or maybe she really does have a pair.
Miz Anna Bligh is after all, allegedly a descendant from someone (dis!)connected with a little known boat called the Bounty a couple of hundred years ago.
Won't be a surprise to hear of an increased offer from Bill
You can just imagine the telephone call:
Bill : I'm sorry to bother you while you are hunting Sir, but we've got a bit of a problem in Queensland.
Sir John : Eh, speak up man - speak up godamit.
Bill : Queensland sir, you know, in Australia?
Sir John : Yes, yes man, I know exactly where it is, its where the kangaroos are. Now what's the problem son, pesky natives revolting again?
Bill : Err not exactly sir, we had a bit of an oil spill from one of our boats.
Sir John : Just ignore it man! or did someone know it was
you?
Bill : Erm, well only half of Queensland, we did trash a lot of their beaches, and now they want us to pay.
Sir John : Good god man, don't these pesky colonials realise how lucky they are still to have the Queen on their coins? And what's with this '
we' anyway, last time I checked the big fat bonus list,
you were the Chairman Bill!
Bill: Well sir, they are now threatening to ban Cathay Pacific from Queensland now as well as our other interests.
Sir John : Damn it all man, what exactly are they demanding, $100 or $200 million or what?
Bill: Well actually sir, they only wanted the $34 million to cover the clean up.
Sir John : Is that all?? Godamit man, why don't you just pay them. Looks like no bonus for you this year eh Bill? Can't afford to agitate them too much, they'll just start throwing spears again. Bloody natives!
Anyway, must go old boy, hunt's on you know (click)...............