Private sector will pay for new cars: Hawkins

NEW cars brought in for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit will be bought by the private sector, an official says.
Apec 2018 Coordination Authority chief executive Christopher Hawkins was responding to public comments on the arrival of 40 Maserati Quattroporte sedans from Italy last week. Shadow Minister for Public Enterprise and State Investment Bryan Kramer said the Government was being extravagant in purchasing the 40 luxury cars.
Australian Senator Pauline Hanson also joined in the debate, calling on Australia to withdraw aid to PNG.
Hawkins said: “With due respect, it would be advisable for Senator Hanson to research before speaking.
“The cars being used for Apec will be purchased by the private sector, so there is no cost to Government and have absolutely nothing to do with foreign support.”
Apec Minister Justin Tkatchenko also said last week the vehicles were expected to provide the level of carriage for leaders that was the standard for vehicles used at Apec summits.
He earlier told ABC that the Apec Authority had paid for the fleet.
“All costs will be recovered and there will be no cost to the State whatsoever at the end of the day,” he said.