Satellite lost, accountability still in orbit

The Taxpayers’ Union says it’s time for ministers to answer some basic questions around the loss of the taxpayer-funded MethaneSAT satellite.

Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:

“Taxpayers paid an astronomical $29 million for a satellite. What they got instead was a lesson in how easy it is to spend other people’s money. This project didn’t approve itself. Ministers signed it off, on advice from MBIE, and the choices behind that decision-making haven't yet been properly explained.”

“The Auditor-General can examine whether the paperwork was in order, but only ministers can explain why this gamble was taken in the first place.”

“The Government should now order a full ministerial inquiry into the funding decisions, risk assessments, and advice provided by MBIE so taxpayers can see exactly how this call was made. Maybe the inquiry should look at whether we need a space minister at all."