TOTALIZATOR AGENCY BOARD PRIVATISATION
Mr PHILLIPS: My question is addressed to the Premier. Why has the Premier suddenly backed out on his legislated deal with the racing industry on the New South Wales TAB sale? Given this betrayal, which the Australian Financial Review says puts the Premier "dangerously close to presiding over the State’s first privatisation disaster", how can anyone trust any deal he makes with electricity workers and with consumers?
Mr CARR: It is great to hear from the shadow Treasurer, because we never hear from him when Parliament is not sitting.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Burrinjuck to order.
Mr CARR: The only reference he had in the past 10 weeks was at a press conference of his leader regarding Badgerys Creek. His leader said that the coalition supports an airport at Badgerys Creek and the press said "Hold on. Your Deputy has just been down here saying that Badgerys Creek must never proceed." That is the only time his presence flickered on to the political radar screen during the past 10 weeks. And his first question is apparently based on an Australian Financial Review report that is two weeks old. That is the extent of their research. Negotiations are currently taking place between the racing industry and the TAB. The Treasurer has held discussions with the industry and the board will report back to Cabinet on the outcome of those talks, which bear not the faintest resemblance to what Mr $900 man had to say.