Trail of broken promises for Pike River families

A year and a half of waiting and agonising has ended with a broken promise for the Pike River families, Labour MP for West Coast-Tasman, Damien O’Connor, says.

“I’m disappointed and angry, but not surprised, by the announcement from new mine owners Solid Energy that they will not be recovering the bodies of the miners in the near future.

“Nor am I surprised that John Key has broken another one of his promises. The families have received many assurances but little in the way of action from the Prime Minister throughout this disaster.

“Families were initially promised that everything that could be done, would be done to recover the men,” Damien O’Connor said.

“Assurances were given by the receivers and the Pike River Coal Company that plans to recover the drift were underway and near the point of action. The sealant needed for the operation had been ordered, they were told.

“Now the families have learnt it might be eight years before any moves are made to recover the bodies of their loved ones.

“John Key was one of the first to step in and offer comfort to the miners’ families. He has now shifted all the responsibility to a company that he intends to sell off, further complicating and diluting his promise of a recovery.

“The Pike River families have never been presented with a plan for recovery.

“After 18 months, they’re still in limbo, wondering where to turn for help. They have every right to accuse John Key and the National Government of having broken a promise,” said Damien O’Connor.