O’Farrell sell-off conditions meaningless without legislation

Dr Kaye said: “The Greens are deeply disappointed that Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell and his Deputy Andrew Stoner have caved into pressure from the government and the big end of town and given qualified endorsement for electricity privatisation.

“They have set five conditions for their support of the Iemma government’s plan to sell the retailers and lease the generators.

“Treasurer Michael Costa will no doubt be happy to take their public backing of his privatisation scheme, while completely ignoring their demands.

“The only way to wipe the smile off his face is to give the parliament the final say on whether the sell-off goes ahead.

“If the Iemma government uses its existing powers to push through privatisation without parliamentary approval, the Coalition will have no leverage.

“We are calling on Mr O’Farrell and Mr Stoner to support our Bill to stop the sell-off unless it gets the approval of both houses of parliament.

“They might have shaken the business community off their back by caving in to the sell-off. Their conditions might quiet down some of the unrest in the National Party’s ranks.

“However, nothing will placate the people of NSW who remain opposed to the sell-off.

“This debate is not over yet. It still has a long way to go and we will be reintroducing our Bill to parliament next week,” Dr Kaye said.


For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455

[via John Kaye Media Release 9 May 2008 link]