[Greens-Media] Shooters power sale opposition another blow to Baird election cash-splash

[John Kaye]

Shooters power sale opposition another blow to Baird election cash-splash

Media release: 1 December 2014

Premier Mike Baird's plans for a $20 billion privatisation of the state's
wires and poles are looking increasingly shaky with the very real
possibility that the NSW Upper House could  block the lease after the 2015
election, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

('Shooters and Fishers pledge to block Mike Baird's $20 billion power
sale', Sydney Morning herald, 1 December, page 1, http://j.mp/1v7JvTp)

Dr Kaye said: "The supposed 49 percent lease of distribution and
transmission assets is already suffering as consumers reduce the amount of
energy they use and roof top solar becomes an ever more attractive
alternative to grid-supplied electricity.

"Now the Shooters and Fishers Party have declared they will vote against
any wires and poles leases, the future of the Premier's cash-grab is in
real doubt.

"The Upper House ballot paper has become a referendum on the future of
public ownership.

"While both Labor and the Shooters have supported previous electricity
privatisation legislation, their current position gives some hope that the
Liberals and Nationals will not be able to dig the state into an even
deeper hole.

"The Shooters' new-found opposition is a credit to the unions,
environmental activists and the community who have campaigned hard to
inform voters what is at stake.

"Mike Baird would do well to remember that electricity privatisation played
a key role in the downfall of the previous Labor government," Dr Kaye said.

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455


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John Kaye
Greens NSW MP
phone: 0407 195 455
web: www.john.nsw.greens.org.au
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