[from The Age, Melbourne]
Family First scuttle sell-off of Telstra
October 10, 2004 - 10:09AM
Political newcomer Family First might well have a key role in the Senate after the federal election but its leader was adamant the party would not support a full sale of Telstra.
After counting, Family First's number one Victorian candidate Steve Fielding was within striking distance of delivering the party's first senator and the coalition looked set to be one seat short of a majority in the upper house.
But Family First federal leader Andrea Mason said the party would not support selling off the remaining stake of the government majority-owned telecommunications giant.
"We would not support a full sale of Telstra," Ms Mason told ABC radio.
"Our party's been out there in the election and raising that issue because we really believe that in terms of rural and remote areas in Australia that would not have a positive impact in those areas."
Asked if that situation could change if Family First was offered concessions, she said she would have to wait and see.
"We don't even know at this stage what the numbers are for Family First in the Senate," she said.
"But that's our position.
"We'll be looking at issues on merit and as they impact on families, as well as how they stand against our party's policies and views on issues."
� 2004 AAP
[from The Age, Melbourne] ------------------------------------------------------------------- John Maynard ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) PO Box 600, Cowes VIC 3922 Australia -------------------------------------------------------------------
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