Today is the sixth anniversary of the Pike River mine disaster, where 29 men died.
For six years the families of those men have not had clear answers about what happened. From the Pike River Royal Commission, they got some answers.
From the government, they’ve had nothing but lies.
It was a lie when John Key said:
The first thing is I’m here to give you absolute reassurance, we’re committed to getting the boys out, and nothing’s going to change that. So – when people try and tell you we’re not, they’re playing, I hate to say it, but they’re playing with your emotions.
It was a lie when Kate Wilkinson got used as the government scapegoat for the disaster, and Key called it “the honourable thing to do.” He even lied about the fact the Royal Commission said Pike River Coal had prioritised profits over safety – a day after acknowledging that’s exactly what it said.
It was a lie when Simon Bridges said the government was “committed to improving health and safety at work” and gave us a law which exempted dairy farms (but not worm farms!) from having health and safety representatives, and quarrying, one of our most dangerous industries.
It was a lie when John Key promised to support the Pike River families in any civil suit that could get them justice. They’re still fighting back against the dodgy blood money deal which saw charges against Peter Whittall dropped.
Then Key made up a ridiculous reason for the Government not to pay the compensation the families had been awarded in court – saying the deaths of their loved ones would “set a precedent” for people who got made redundant.
In the past week, the government has lied again and again about expert advice showing the mine is safe to enter.
Even a day before the anniversary, Nick Smith continued to lie about the situation in the mine, even threatening Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse with arrest if they dare to get in the way of the concrete trucks which are going to seal up the mine forever.
Like Sonya says:
“They lied to us, they’ve told so many untruths, they’ve kept things from us … this is a travesty of justice.”
The Pike River families deserve better. Solidarity and aroha to them today.
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