[Greens-Media] Tamberlin Inquiry: Here we go again on power sell-off

[John Kaye]

Tamberlin Inquiry: Here we go again on power sell-off
 
Media Release: 31 October 2011 
 
The Tamberlin inquiry will plunge NSW into the same privatisation debate that crippled the Iemma government three years ago, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Dr  Kaye said: "Privatising the state-owned generators will rob NSW of what's left of an important revenue stream, destroy jobs and badly constrain greenhouse gas abatement strategies.
 
"The arguments that persuaded the Coalition in opposition to join with the Greens and block the generator sell-off in 2008 are still just as relevant today.
 
"By leaving open the option of privatising the wires and poles, Justice Tamberlin has condemned the state's electricity industry to years of disruptive uncertainty.
 
"Public ownership remains crucial to developing an industry policy to reduce CO2 emissions, protect employment and contain increases in household power bills.
 
"Justice Tamberlin has fallen for the line pushed by the self-serving corporate chiefs of the state-owned businesses and the potential purchasers of the highly profitable assets.
 
"He has made the same mistakes that his electricity industry review predecessor, Tony Owen, imposed on NSW in 2007.
 
"It is likely his report will have the same disastrous political and economic consequences.
 
"Justice Tamberlin has taken a very narrow view of his terms of reference. He has ignored the constraints imposed on greenhouse gas abatement option by privatisation. 
 
"His report would look very different if he had been concerned about the future of the 60 million tonnes of CO2 the state's coal-fired generators emit each year.
 
"If Barry O'Farrell follows Justice Tamberlin's suggestion, breaks his election promise and tries to sell the wires and poles he will face a hard slog through the NSW Upper House.  
 
"The unions and the Greens will mount a massive campaign to stop it happening. If he doesn't believe us he should ask Morris lemma and Michael Costa," Dr Kaye said.
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455