Fed: Govt not over barrel on Telstra sale: Costello

AAP General News (Australia)
08-15-2006
Fed: Govt not over barrel on Telstra sale: Costello

Treasurer PETER COSTELLO says the federal government won't be forced into selling its
share in Telstra.

Mr COSTELLO says the government doesn't necessarily need the money from the Telstra
sale .. adding it'll deal with the shares when it's in the interests of other shareholders
and taxpayers.

He says if the conditions don't suit .. the shares could be held in the Future Fund.

It comes after speculation whether the government will push ahead with its sale of
its majority shareholding in the telco .. with growing concerns over Telstra's sharp dip
in its shareprice.

AAP RTV sw/sb/es/bart

KEYWORD: TELSTRA COSTELLO (CANBERRA)

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