POWER LEGISLATION

Monday 16 June 2008

The Treasurer Michael Costa has advised the NSW Liberals the Iemma Government will delay its electricity privatisation legislation in order to meet the Liberal’s five community safeguards according to the Member for Bega Andrew Constance.

Andrew Constance Member for Bega

“There is enormous concern about Labor’s power sell off across the South east, particularly in regards to the impact on Country Energy and Snowy Hydro,” Mr Constance said.

“The Treasurer indicated legislation will be introduced to require the Auditor General to provide a report to the Parliament before any vote on legislation allowing the sale of the State’s electricity assets,” he said.

“A rural and regional communities impact statement will also be completed and released, focusing on issues such as jobs, prices and services levels, and providing for genuine community consultation,” he said.

“This consultation will need to occur in the State’s South east,” Mr Constance said.

“The Iemma Government has also agreed to meet the Liberal’s conditions on an independent oversight committee to monitor spending of any proceeds, a parliamentary committee to guarantee delivery of renewable energy commitments and a review of the effectiveness of proposed safety nets for pensioners and other low income earners,” he said.

The NSW Liberals welcome the Iemma Government’s belated decision to put the public interest first. These community safeguards should have been included from the outset.

“This decision confirms Mr Iemma’s weakness within his own party.

“It’s typical of Morris Iemma’s dithering that he waited until the eleventh hour when he could have resolved this matter by engaging the Opposition months ago,” he said.

Subject to its wording, the NSW Liberal/Nationals will support the legislation giving the Auditor General the power to report before Parliament votes on power privatisation.

“The NSW Liberal/Nationals final position on the enabling legislation will be determined on the basis of the contents of these reports,” Mr Consta.