The Iemma Government will delay its electricity privatisation legislation in order to meet the NSW Liberal/Nationals’ five community safeguards, Mr Jonathan O’Dea said today.
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.
“The NSW Liberal/Nationals final position on the enabling legislation will be determined on the basis of the contents of these reports,” Mr O’Dea said.
“The Auditor-General’s report should include, but not be limited to, timing and price, conditions for workers, pensioners and low income earners, price guarantees for consumers in all sale/lease arrangements.”
Mr O’Dea said the Iemma Government has also agreed to meet the Coalition’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.
A rural and regional communities impact statement will also be completed and released, focusing on issues such as jobs, prices and services levels. It will provide for genuine community consultation.
“The NSW Liberal/Nationals welcome the Iemma Government’s belated decision to put the public interest first. These community safeguards should have been included from the outset,” said Mr O’Dea.
“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.
For further information, please call Jonathan O’Dea on 0418 241 500.
