[Greens-Media] O'Farrell pointing in right direction on sell-off while Baird losing plot

[John Kaye]

O'Farrell pointing in right direction on sell-off while Baird losing plot
 
Media release: 31 August 2008
 
NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell's decision to stop the privatisation of the electricity generators is sound public policy, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Dr Kaye said: "Even from the standpoint of the Coalition's economic philosophy, passing NSW Treasurer Michael Costa's power sell-off legislation would not have been in the public interest.
 
"While Mr O'Farrell is being attacked by his friends in the business lobby, his focus on managing electricity demand would result in lower household energy costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
 
"Unfortunately the Opposition's Energy and Finance Spokesperson Mike Baird appears to have fallen for the myth that this state needs more baseload generation capacity.
 
"Even though Mr Baird is now lining up behind the Opposition's official stance opposing the sell-off, he has clearly failed to understand that the Iemma government has been badly misleading the people of NSW.
 
"He should cast a critical eye over Treasurer Michael Costa's arguments.
 
"Whether it is to balance the state's books or to attract private capital into baseload power, whatever today's rationale for the sell-off is, it does not stack up. 
 
"Mike Baird should also take a closer look at Mr Costa's declaration of war on the public sector.
 
"The power sell-off is only the opening gambit in a plan to devastate the delivery of public services and infrastructure in this state. 
 
"Not only will this receive a deeply hostile reaction from the voters but it also makes no economic sense.
  
"Treasurer Costa is completely out of control and headed on a collision course with common sense.
 
"Mike Baird should do his duty as an Opposition spokesperson. He should join with the Greens, rebel Labor MPs, the union movement and the majority of his own party to block this potential disaster," 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