Fed: No split on Telstra, says Vaile

AAP General News (Australia)
02-02-2000
Fed: No split on Telstra, says Vaile

BRISBANE, Feb 2 AAP - Trade Minister Mark Vaile today called for a full debate within
the National Party over selling off the government's majority stake in Telstra.

Speaking outside a business lunch today, Mr Vaile said he wanted a party debate at
state and federal levels.

"I'm not in the business of telling my state colleagues what to do but I'll be seeing
my New South Wales colleagues at the end of this week at the state executive meeting in
Albury (NSW) and I'm sure there will be a lengthy discussion on this issue," he told reporters.

"We should be discussing all the pros and cons of this issue."

Prime Minister John Howard has used his tour of regional Australia to push for the
total privatisation of Telstra.

Mr Howard said a further sale would be in the public interest and would help the government
provide services to the bush.

AAP rad/jak/sc/tso/bwl

KEYWORD: TELSTRA VAILE

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