[Greens-Media] Exclusive energy conference hears inside deals on sell-off

[John Kaye]

Exclusive energy conference hears inside deals on sell-off
 
Media release: 28 February 2008
 
A NSW energy conference that is focusing on electricity industry privatisation should be opened up to public scrutiny, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Speaking outside the NSW State Energy Outlook Conference at Cockle Bay Warf in Sydney, Dr Kaye said: "Like so much of the Iemma government's decision making about selling the electricity industry, this conference's exorbitant price tag of $2,964.50 for two days has effectively locked out members of the public.
 
"Treasurer Michael Costa and Energy Minister Ian Macdonald have gone to extraordinary lengths to keep the power privatisation arrangements behind closed doors. 
 
"The key focus at today's meeting will be the proposed national emissions trading market and its effects on the profits potential owners of the leases on the generators can extract.
 
"This is a matter of grave public importance and deserves to be aired in public, not behind closed doors at an expensive and exclusive private meeting.
 
"The international utility corporation representatives and merchant bankers who want to buy the state's electricity industry will be working with Michael Costa and Ian Macdonald to undermine emissions trading.
 
"The Garnaut review is building a strong case for large generators being exposed to the full costs of their CO2 emissions, even though it will slash profitability for potential future owners and wreck the chances of privatising the industry.
 
"Most people in NSW could not afford the price tag for this conference but it is their future that is being traded away as the Iemma government is prepared to cut any corners to ensure it can sell the electricity industry," Dr Kaye said.

Community demonstration outside the NSW Energy Outlook Conference:  8:30 am Thursday 28 Feb, L'Aqua, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour, Sydney
 
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