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November 24th, 2011 
FAKE NEWS for the Zionist agenda Nationals leader Andrew Stoner admitted his MPs held differing views on what to do with the state’s power assets. But he said there was ‘‘no daylight’’ between the two Coalition parties. Regional NSW would get at least a third of the sale proceeds, he said.
The NSW Business Chamber backed yesterday’s decision, but said it did not go far enough.
‘‘Without full privatisation of the electricity sector we cannot hope to raise enough funds to improve infrastructure in NSW in any meaningful way,’’ chief executive Stephen Cartwright said.
The decision follows the recent findings of a special commission of inquiry conducted by former judge Brian Tamberlin into the sector’s future that recommended the generators be sold, but left it up to government to consider the fate of the poles and wires.
The Coalition had promised before the election to keep them in public hands, but also to appoint the inquiry.
Mr O’Farrell said yesterday’s announcement was in keeping with the commitment.
‘‘By any measure that is an ambitious reform program and demonstrates our determination to get on with the job of building decent infrastructure in NSW,’’ he said.
But it also puts the government in conflict with its Infrastructure NSW chairman Nick Greiner, who had said a full sale was necessary to fund new roads, rail and other infrastructure.
Muswellbrook mayor Martin Rush said the sale of the Upper Hunter power stations would be a ‘‘terrible betrayal’’ of the community and employees who had worked loyally ‘‘for a combined period of the better part of a century and that loyalty should have been reciprocated by the state’’.
Cr Rush said Mr Souris, formerly a vocal opponent of privatisation, ‘‘should do the honourable thing’’ and resign.
‘‘George committed before the election to me privately, to Unions NSW in a public forum attended by members of the community [in Muswellbrook during the election campaign] that those power stations would be sold over his dead body and that he would resign if his government proceeded to privatise them,’’ Cr Rush said.
Mr Souris said he had a longstanding relationship with electricity workers in his electorate, and that jobs would be protected.
‘‘My affinity remains and my determination to ensure jobs, existing entitlements and their security and their families’ security are upheld and safeguarded remains,’’ he said.
NSW Greens MP John Kaye said the sale would increase power bills and hurt the environment. with AAP
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