1 Mar 2014

Govt tight-lipped on Pike mine deal

3:37 pm on 1 March 2014

The Government won't say whether it will release documents that are claimed to show it initiated discussions to resolve charges against the former Pike River mine chief executive, Peter Whittall.

Government agency Worksafe says it did not solicit payments for the Pike River families.

Peter Whittall.

Peter Whittall. Photo: AFP

Mr Whittall's lawyer, Stuart Grieve QC, wrote to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in October proposing a $3.4 million payout to the families of the 29 men who died, in return for the charges being dropped, which they were in December.

He says three letters show the ministry, which includes Worksafe, initiated the discussion about resolving the charges, and he wants the letters made public.

Worksafe won't say whether it initiated the conversations.

Grey District mayor Tony Kokshoorn says the Government should release all correspondance it had with Peter Whittall's lawyers and the public needs to know the truth.

Mr Kokshoorn also says the three letters show the ministry initiated the discussion about resolving the charges.

Worksafe won't say whether it initiated the conversations but says it did not solicit payments for the families.

Labour Party justice spokesperson Andrew Little says all correspondence should be released immediately to ease public anxiety that a tawdry deal was done.

Mr Little says if the Crown was nervous about its case or felt the need to capitulate, the public needs to know why.

A spokesperson for Labour Minister Simon Bridges has refused to comment.

Worksafe has previously said problems with witness availability was the main reason for dropping the charges.