[Greens-Media] O'Farrell should resist business bullying on power sell-off

[John Kaye]

O'Farrell should resist business bullying on power sell-off
 
Media Release: 26 August 2008
 
The NSW Opposition should determine its position on the Iemma government's power privatisation based on the impacts on the people and environment of this state. He should not cave into threats from the big polluters and the finance sector, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Dr Kaye said: "Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell is under massive pressure from the business lobby to support the sell-off, despite the appalling impacts it would have on greenhouse gas emissions, household energy bills, the state's finances and employment in rural and regional NSW.
 
"He must not buckle under threats of withdrawal of political and financial support from the business community.
 
"Instead Mr O'Farrell should ask the lobbyists to justify the need for more large baseload power stations in NSW, which is Treasurer Michael Costa's key pretext for his push to sell off the retailers and lease out the generators.
 
"If they were to answer truthfully, they would tell him that the state has more than adequate baseload capacity for the next two decades and beyond.  
 
"All that is needed is to manage the overnight demand by improving energy efficiency. 
 
"With just two days to go until the Iemma government's legislation comes before parliament, the people of NSW will be watching the alternative Premier very carefully.
 
"They will be asking if he is just a patsy for cashed-up big business or if he can show real leadership on the environment and protecting household budgets.
 
"If Mr O'Farrell does the right thing, Michael Costa's sell-off push will be defeated. 
 
"In the Upper House the four Greens would then be joined by the Opposition, Rev. Gordon Moyes and enough Labor MPs to vote against the bill and defeat the sell-off," Dr Kaye said. 
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455 
 
 
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John Kaye
Greens member of the NSW Parliament
phone: (02) 9230 2668
fax: (02) 9230 2586
mobile: 0407 195 455
email: john.kaye at parliament.nsw.gov.au
web: www.johnkaye.org.au
 
mail: Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000