Revelations that the sale of the Commonwealth shares in Snowy Hyrdo may be illegal should cause the NSW Government to delay the sale, Greens MLC Ian Cohen said today.
“Legal advice released by Greens Senator Bob Brown in Melbourne today says the Commonwealth would be acting illegally if it sold its share without federal legislation,” Mr Cohen said.
“The legal advice from respected SC Brian Walters, says that while there was a vote in the federal parliament, there was no legislation and thus the requirements of Snowy Hydro Corporatisation Act 1997 have been breached.
“Premier Morris Iemma must immediately suspend the sale while all legal certainties are clarified. While the legal advice released today only relates to the Commonwealth actions in selling its share, it throws a cloud over the whole sell-off process.
“It would be prudent for the NSW Government to put in a delay at the very least.
“The sale of the Snowy would be environmentally dangerous and the growing public outcry means it is now electorally dangerous for this Government as well.
“The Snowy is a NSW icon built with the blood, sweat and tears of many Australians. Selling it is an affront to their memory and to the NSW public in general.
“Environmental flows, that were hard fought for and only recently won, will be at risk under a privatised Snowy. Shareholders interests, not the environment, will obviously be paramount.” Mr Cohen said.
A rally organised by the Greens to oppose the sale of the Snowy Hydro will take place on Tuesday 6 June (Budget Day) meeting at the Archibald fountain 12.30pm and marching to NSW Parliament.
No comments:
Post a Comment