[Greens-Media] Greens NSW council unanimously rejects electricity retailer sell-off

[John Kaye]

Greens NSW council unanimously rejects electricity retailer sell-off 

Media Release: 10 February 2008

The Greens NSW State Delegates Council this weekend condemned plans by the Iemma government to privatise the retailers and lease out the generators, and restated the party's commitment to full public ownership, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye. The council was held at Alexandria Town Hall.

Dr Kaye said: "Delegates from Greens local Greens groups around NSW were unanimous in their opposition to Treasurer Costa's scheme.

"The party council singled out plans to sell off the retailers for particular criticism.

"For the Greens, public ownership of the retailers is not negotiable.

"Reflecting widely-held sentiments in the environment movement, the party is deeply concerned that the electricity industry will need to change dramatically to slash emissions.

"Public ownership of the retailers is essential to protect consumers from what will be an increasingly volatile and dangerous wholesale market.

"Retailers driven by profit will not be willing or able to work with households to reduce total demand.

"Retailer privatisation would squander opportunities to create a low carbon industry that also makes sure electricity bills don't skyrocket.

"While there are rumours of a deal being brokered by the Labor leadership, we urge all unions and party members to stay firm on protecting public ownership of the retailers.

"Trading off the sale of the retail arms of Energy Australia, Integral and Country Energy to keep the generators in public hands would be a pyrrhic victory. 

"We should see this rumoured deal for what it is: an attempt to divide the opposition to privatisation.

"If it goes ahead, there is no doubt that Treasurer Costa or one of his successors will come back and finish off the job," Dr Kaye said. 

For more information:	John Kaye 0407 195 455