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Pike River Assistance

February 15th, 2011 at 11:00 am by David Farrar

John Hartevelt reports:

Financial help for legal costs will be extended to all 150 Pike River miners and contractors who were employed when 29 men died at the mine last year.

Prime Minister John Key said surviving miners and contractors would have a crucial role in the Royal Commission of Inquiry. The Government had agreed to cover their legal costs.

Cabinet had already agreed to provide legal assistance to the families of those who died at the Pike River mine.

Today’s announcement was over and above that because it extended legal assistance to some of the 150 workers and contractors who might be required to contribute to the Royal Commission.

I doubt many would disagree with this decision. Generally I would not expect those who don’t face potential liability or criticism to need legal assistance or representation at the Royal Commission, but it would be harsh to make surviving miners etc pay for their own legal assistance.

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7 Responses to “Pike River Assistance”

  1. GPT1 (1,952) Says:
    February 15th, 2011 at 11:49 am

    Perhaps, but any number of people in difficult situations have to pay their legal fees. Unless qualifying for legal aid do families get assistance at coroners hearings for example? (Genuine question).

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  2. Pete George (17,596) Says:
    February 15th, 2011 at 11:57 am

    Fair question GPT1. I think assistance should be given to those involved in Pike River, but the government assistance plus funds raised are probably much more than most get when affected by tragedies.

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  3. GPT1 (1,952) Says:
    February 15th, 2011 at 12:26 pm

    Indeed, PG. Certainly not detracting from the tragedy in any way but, sadly, famlies are torn apart by some tragedy or other every day without the level of assistance in this matter.

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  4. andretti (122) Says:
    February 15th, 2011 at 12:31 pm

    Had a giggle when I read about one contractor that is complaining about not getting paid.this same contractor has been broke twice before that I know of and he didnt give a stuff about not paying his bills.

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  5. big bruv (11,204) Says:
    February 15th, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    Ahmmm, how much more of my money is Key going to spend on the Pike River people?

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  6. malcolm (2,000) Says:
    February 15th, 2011 at 1:08 pm

    I doubt many would disagree with this decision.

    http://fee.org/library/not-yours-to-give-2/

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  7. Pete George (17,596) Says:
    February 15th, 2011 at 8:21 pm

    That’s a really interesting read Malcolm.

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