Electricity Industry Privatisation

Mr MIKE BAIRD: My question is directed to the Premier. Did he or his Ministers seek any advice from New South Wales Treasury or external advisers on the joint venture model for the sale of this State's electricity assets before the compromise was presented to union officials last weekend? If he did, will he release that and any other external advice relating to the transaction?

Mr MORRIS IEMMA: The member for Manly is quoted as saying that he understands the rationale for the Government's energy reform package.

Mr John Watkins: He supports that decision now.

Mr MORRIS IEMMA: The member for Manly has chosen his words carefully. The Deputy Premier says that he supports it. We could interpret that as support, or we could interpret it as positioning.

The SPEAKER: Order! The Deputy Premier will resume his seat.

Mr MORRIS IEMMA: Nevertheless, the member for Manly has stated some sort of position. He understands the rationale. I assume in coming to the conclusion that he understands the rationale he has undertaken some reading and done some thinking. I direct him to the Owen report.

The SPEAKER: Order! All members who have been called to order are now deemed to be on three calls to order.