Mood:
quizzicalTopic: nsw govt
Interesting to see former moderate Liberal MP now with NSW Chamber of Commerce determined to promote the sale of NSW electricity assets as soon as possible.
No matter what the uncertain price of carbon will be in the future. No matter what dirty deals the NSW ALP are renowned for in the past. No matter the deep concerns over lack of integrity of this ALP government generally.
The sale proceeds would create a war chest for the Iemma Govt and its mendicants in the run up to the next election and provide the best revenge Patricia Forsythe could have on the Liberal Party who dumped her:
Dumped ... Patricia Forsythe.
4 Dec 2005 Revengeful Right axes faithful Forsythe - National - smh.com.au
Is this actually her motive in harness for the NSW Chamber of Commerce?
This was Forsythe's suck job back in April 2007:
12/04/2007 - Premier Morris Iemma's announcement of a new cabinet has been welcomed by Patricia Forsythe, executive director of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce.
"The new cabinet balances the need for generational change and maintaining experience," Forsythe said.
"I congratulate new cabinet members, including Matt Brown, Linda Burney, Verity Firth, Kevin Greene, Kristina Keneally, Phil Koperberg, Paul Lynch, Nathan Rees and Graham West upon their appointment.
"The NSW Government must use its convincing electoral mandate to be bold and decisive in tackling the big picture issues.
Forsythe said that the Sydney Chamber of Commerce has advocated a number of priorities for the reelected government including:
- Public transport solutions need to be the number one priority of the government. Improving transport flow by fast-trucking integrated ticketing, universal electronic tolling, and strategic infastructure projects such as the North-West rail link. Continue working towards increased service reliability, decreased travel times and easing congestion.
- Privatisations of non-essential or uncompetitive state assets to reinvest the funds into better public services and major infrastructure projects, particularly in public transport. Government should consider privatisation of assets in the areas of waste management, electricity supply, prisons, lotteries and forest plantations.
- Tourism and major events agencies need greater financial support from the state government. Tourism and major events are key components of economic development strategy and criticial to building business confidence.
- Affordable housing in Sydney is being squeezed by a combination of falling building approvals, low vacancy rates and higher interest rates. Business will suffer as a result of their employees being priced out of the Sydney property market. The NSW Government must look at strategies to boost private investment into the property market to increase the supply of affordable housing.
Compare this somewhat more robust critique of the Iemma Govt from MP John Kaye:
A-G report undermines power sell-off timetable
Media Release: 21 August 2008
Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell must reject Treasurer Michael Costa's power sell-off legislation if he takes the Auditor-General's report seriously, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
Dr Kaye said: "Mr Achterstraat's report leaves little room for rushing ahead with the legislation.
"Far from giving the plans a clear tick, the report exposed serious concerns about the costs of emissions trading, the failure to consider retention in public ownership and the enforcement of a reserve price.
"The Auditor-General made it clear that there is still great uncertainty about the impacts of the emissions trading system on the sale process.
"If the Opposition passes the legislation in September then Treasurer Costa will be off the leash and could run ahead regardless of the effect of carbon costs on the sale price.
"Neither the Auditor-General nor Treasury have calculated the retention value of the assets.
"The Opposition has been dudded. It has not been given a reference point for evaluating the costs and benefits of the sale and cannot safely say that privatisation stacks up financially.
"Mr Achterstraat's recommendation that a reserve price be set for the sale sounds a grave warning for Mr O'Farrell.
"Even if a minimum sale price were set, the Iemma government is so blindly committed to the sell-off, there is no assurance it would be adhered to.
"The Opposition will lose all economic credibility if it signs off on a fire sale. AGL has indicated it would not be interested in the assets. Two other key potential purchasers are in doubt and international stock markets are in turmoil.
"The report only addressed the narrow question of the sale strategy. The Opposition has to also consider the appalling environmental consequences.
"Barry O'Farrell has one last chance to hold Michael Costa back. He should not blow it," Dr Kaye said.
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455
