[Greens-Media] Greens to make council elections referendum on power sell-off

[John Kaye]

Greens to make council elections referendum on power sell-off

Media Release: 31 August 2008

The Greens Party has written to the NSW Electoral Commissioner to ensure that writing 'no sale' on local government ballot papers will not render the vote informal, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

Dr Kaye said: "The Iemma government is pushing ahead with the sale of the retailers against the wishes of parliament and the people of this state.

"Treasurer Michael Costa has broken his promise to the Upper House to allow parliament the final say.

"Premier Iemma has broken his 2007 election promise to the union movement and the people of NSW to not privatise the state's electricity supply.

"The local government elections in two weeks can become an informal referendum on Mr Costa's 'Plan B' sell-off of the retailers. 

"The Greens urge voters who are opposed to the privatisation to check out candidates' positions on the sell-off. 

"Our view is that writing 'no sale' on ballot papers does not render them informal and we have written to the Electoral Commissioner seeking confirmation.

"We will be strongly suggesting that voters make their feelings known.

"Our scrutineers will be watching to see how many ballot papers are marked.

"This may be the last chance for the people of NSW to let the Iemma government know how strongly they oppose the privatisation of their energy retailers.

"Michael Costa and Morris Iemma have ridden roughshod over democracy to pursue their obsession with privatisation.

"The Greens believe that it is time for the people of this state to have a say," Dr Kaye said. 

For more information:	John Kaye 0407 195 455