[Greens-Media] New Snowy Hydro directors show us the truth beneath the spin:

[Michael Hidden]

Media Release								
      17 May 2006

New Snowy Hydro directors show us the truth beneath the spin:

"The new appointments to the board of Snowy Hydro highlights the
government spin about its proposed sale" said Greens MLC Ian Cohen
today. 

"The NSW Government would have us believe that they care about
environmental flows and the interests of small farmers and irrigators.
This does not tally with the histories of those appointed. Bruce Hogan
has been a director of GIO, Coles Myer, The Adelaide Casino and Energy
Australia. Bruce Brook has worked for mining company WMC, and Peter Lowe
is director of Gasnet, the company responsible for Victoria's gas
pipelines. New chairman Rick Holliday-Smith is chairman of the Sydney
Futures Exchange" Mr. Cohen said

"These men may be competent in their respective fields, but the
Government's promises that a privatised Snowy will have the interests
of farmers and the environment at heart ring hollow when its new board
consists of people whose experience is in mining, energy and the money
market. Where is the farming experience and environmental expertise on
the Snowy board? 

"It is now clearer than ever what the three governments involved
envisage for the future of this Australian icon. They want a Snowy Hydro
that is attractive to big business. The reality is that the so-called
'Mums and Dads investors' won't get a look in. The environment
and farmers won't get a look in. 

" Actions speak louder than words. These appointments show that the
NSW Government is spinning faster than the Snowy turbines." Mr. Cohen
said.


Further Information: Ian Cohen, 9230 2603 or 0409 989 466


Michael Hidden
Advisor to Ian Cohen MLC,
NSW Parliament,
Macquarie St
Sydney
Ph: 02 92302603
Email michael.hidden at parliament.nsw.gov.au