The Process of Privatisation

I'm glad that some body in an authority position is willing to listen to the community. Shame on the State Government for behaving in this grubby manner. Do they really think that they can govern this state in the interests of their factions and private agendas? I am opposed to privatisation but, worse, I am offended by the casual dismissal of the views of the majority of the community. This seems to me to be all about making a quick buck to give something to bribe the electorate into giving them yet another term. Iemma and Costa should think back to a time when they might once have entered politics to serve not to profit - they must have had some ideals once upon a time.

I agree, this process is all wrong - it is rushed when there is no economic reason to rush. If selling is a good deal for anyone but those who will make fees from the sale process then why not open up the process to scrutiny - its our assets after all.

This is like selling your house and asking you later - it is just plain wrong. I voted for Labor but would never have done if they had admitted they were planning this. They must have planned it too

The whole idea is wrong but agree the process stinks the most. They will not allow a debate because they would lose. The public hates this idea. They have promised this to their mates in the banking sector who will earn obscene fees and who will probably employ Mr Costa later this year when he has delivered. They are welcome to Mr Costa but should leave our electricity assets alone.

I attended the protest meeting at Newcastle on 24/1. It was inspiring to see Greg Piper's passionate speech alongside the other speakers, about this vital subject. The timing of this announcement, especially after the election was finished is shameful and about as far from democracy as you can get. Interesting how Iemma's new salivating lapdog, the ever position-shifting Ms McKay did not include this policy in her bid to oust former State MP Bryce Gaudry. Shameful behaviour. Thank heavens we have folks like Greg and the other politicians and speakers from different walks of life who have the guts to stand up for social justice. Proud to be one of the 600 hundred, Shame on you Ms McKay for not doing the same or for having a spine of your own about this vital matter.

I'm not saying what my view on this subject is, but is their a state government Hansard that says that the state goverment/Morris Iemma WILL NOT sell of the power supply, be it partly or fully?

Bang the table - I'd like to bang a couple of heads! It is Australia Day - Advance Australia Fair!!! Ruin NSW undemocratically!!! Mr Iemma and Mr Costa do not own the public assests of NSW - we do - and for this decision to be made without any debate, either by the public or in Parliament, is not only undemocratic it is abhorrently arrogant - makes you wonder what deals are being done under the table. And Mr Costa - you were not democratically elected either - you are filling a vacant position! Thank god I live in an electorate with an Independent MP who is not scared to have a say for the public of NSW. All the knockers of Independents in Parliament can now have a new look at how valuable they can be! Thank you Mr Piper. Let's see some more MPs getting tough on this issue - It is time for Mr Iemma to go and let democracy SAVE NSW FAIRLY!

Wow! You would think governments of Australia would learn what will happen to them if they develop the arrogance of the former Howard Government but it would seem NSW Labor still has no idea. If this continues I look forward to NSW Labor being absolutely crushed at the next election.

It has been a general perception that Car sales persons, real estate agents and politicians were the least trusted professions, well Iemma and Costa has not only confirmed that perception but in doing what they have done now have made car sales people and estate agents look like beginners and pale into insignificance. Atleast car sales people and real estate people decieve some of the people (one at a time) some of the time not all of the people most of the time. The display of political bullying, arogance, deception and contempt for the NSW public defies belief and justifies public distrust. I can only hope that the NSW public can gather in unitity and give these two conmen what they deserve. Iemma stated some time ago he would NOT sell the Power industry and by "leasing" it is a deceptive way by stealth to do just that. When this industry returns continual income to the NSW public why sell/lease the golden goose and if we (the NSW public)really think that Iemma is honest enough to keep his promises with what he said he will do with the money then we deserve what we get. Now what can we sell/lease next ???? Give these 2 guys the message then show them the back door to unempoyment.

i thought we all lived in a democratic country that we should be proud of. unfortunately Iemma & Costa seem to be intent on perverting this democratic process by intending to flogg off an asset returning over a billion $ per year to the people of NSW without any consultation or mandate.to sell the cash cow is not only incompetent & uncalled for but political suicide.we must ask ourselves what is there motivation, will they be around for the next election or will they retire with a position with one of there "advisors". i have always voted labour but i will vote these 2 out next chance i get.

MICHAEL COSTA CLAIMS THIS ISSUE WAS "TAKEN TO" THE PEOPLE

First let me say that if privatisation (or part privatisation) does introduce competition then I say it MIGHT be a good idea to sell the power infrastructure BUT if Costa, Iemma, did actually say that privatisation will NOT happen, then that maybe a different matter.

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Michael Costa was interviewed by a local radio host on Friday, and he was asked why he didn't take this issue to the people. Michael Costa claims "But I DID take it to the people" HUHH? I wish I would have taped it now for the exact wording. It seems as though both Jodi McKay (& maybe Iemma himself) are becoming puppets of Costa.

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LIBERALS ON SAME ISSUES

I have noticed that Barry O'Farrell hasn't said that his government will not privatise energy either. What he has said: "We support what's best for the community" or similar wording.

I noticed that if Costa & Co does sell power off(1) that the money gained will go towards infrastructure in Sydney. Iemma, Costa, Jodi McKay & any other members of parliament that support them, [yells] WHY ONLY SYDNEY? New South Wales DOES NOT end at Berowra, Penrith, Campbelltown or Sutherland.

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(1) Costa was also asked wether that the power infrastructure like poles, etc will also be sold. Costa said something similar to "We guarantee that these items won’t be sold"

Interesting how Jodi McKay (or someone representing her) is a member of this board, yet are keeping quite on this issue, and not replying.

JUST A JOKE THAT MAY RELATE TO THIS

For some humour, Iemma claims that this sell-off will give the government $25 billion, yet Microsoft is offering Yahoo! almost $50 billion!!!

The privatisation of any publically owned assets has historically been bad for the end customers. Telstra is a case in point. I think the Unions NSW storm clouds are now so ominious for the government we will (hopefully) see a back down. Lets also not forget the effort of unaffiliated community groups who are raising petitions to stop this sale. The NSW Greens are also very determined to stop the proposal. When it comes times to speak up each of us has to make the effort. I have a question of the government on pricing of power. Q: As the price paid for electricity by Alcan and the aluminium industry is a secret in NSW what reassurances could be given that a privatised power industry would not set prices for householders which incorporated a subsidy for big business in order for the power industry capitalists to maximise their return while assuaging big business with cheap and secret deals?

The process clearly demonstrates the contempt the Iemma government has for the people of NSW. This is not the first time it has ignored democratic process and implemented policies that should have been debated by our elected representatives - the voices of the people.

Public institutions are not the property of the Labor party to sell off any more than they are the property of this dictatorial government.

Any speaking of dictatorial, would we be any worse off? At least dictators can be overthrown without waiting a specified period!

I'm confused. On the ABC news tonight they stated that the privatisation is going to the Labor conference. Is this a back-flip? If the Labor conference votes for this then surely they will have become a party with no principles remaining

What should be said about political parties,voting and how the system is supposed to work is never heard. I myself ran as an independent candidate for the seat of Charlton, what I have seen, and the knowledge that I have gathered about coruption on these political parties is a eye opener.

For myself i grew up unions and labor as my father was the president of the trade and labor council in Orange for 20 odd years and the secretary of the ASE. To what these two entities have become is a disgrace and with the other parties have forgotton who we are.

Who do they stand for themselves, what happened to us, what happened to standing up for the people and this is why we have the problem with the power industry.

I for one knew about the privatisation of the power industry, railways and buses before the state election as did our mainsteam media,unions,and Greg Combet as I told them but they didnt care.

We the people were not on their agenda. Well since I did say agenda, you may ask what is mine, to be able to stand and fight for the people no matter what.

Do the people care about how political parties can hide coruption for their own sake, no, the people have already shown that the only things that matter is the party, well how about you, do you matter.

I for one am not scared of these union and party fanatics as that is all they are and their bark is only nnoise and their bite well, nothing there.

We are against the selloff of NSW Electricity,this important facility which was built and owned by generations of NSW residents should not be sold. We fully support Greg Piper in taking this issue to Parliament. It is About time the NSW Government stopped selling off our assets & started to govern properly and not further waste our money on short term promises. The Australian Government State or Federal never deliver on any promises properly but seem to support all overseas companies against our own. It is time that every Australian make a stand to stop the selloff of our Australian assets to Overseas Companies and Countries. We need to support our own companies before supporting overseas ones. When all our Australian companies are gone will we then allow Overseas Countries to take over our country too??