Ballina MP opposes electricity privatisation
Ballina MP Don Page says the privatisation of electricity generation by the NSW Iemma Labor Government has not been demonstrated to be of benefit to the people of NSW.
Mr Page said he could not support the privatisation of power generation because it would leave the community exposed to rapidly increasing power prices and uncertain service levels, especially in non-metropolitan areas of the State like the North Coast.
“The NSW Labor Government has no mandate to privatise electricity generation. Indeed, prior to the last State election, Premier Iemma said his Government ‘had no plans to privatise power generation in NSW’.
“The great majority of people I talk to do not support the privatisation of electricity generation – regarded as an essential item for households.
“The failure of the NSW Labor Government to invest in its electricity generation plants is the reason why they want to privatise power generation.
“I am very concerned about electricity consumers in NSW being beholden to foreign or domestic power companies whose primary goal is to maximise profits for their shareholders.
“The NSW Labor Government has not made a convincing case for the privatisation of power generation. Generally the community is opposed and would like the Government of the day to retain control over such an essential service critical to almost every household in the State.”
Mr Page said he had opposed the privatisation of the Snowy Mountains Hydro for similar reasons.
