Leader of The Nationals Andrew Stoner has slammed Country Labor Member for Bathurst Gerard Martin for what Mr Stoner described as a ‘cowardly capitulation’ on the first major vote in Parliament relating to Premier Morris Iemma’s power privatisation plans.

In Parliament Mr Stoner moved a motion to be debated:

“That this House supports the principle that legislation be put before Parliament before any sale of the State’s electricity assets.”

He said that in response Gerard Martin voted with his Labor colleagues to block the debate.

“Gerard Martin should be condemned for his cowardly capitulation on Sydney Labor’s power privatisation,” Mr Stoner said.

“If Gerard Martin had any interest in representing his constituents, he wouldn’t have blocked this important debate.

“The Liberal/Nationals were demanding that Labor MPs agree that legislation must be put before Parliament before any sale of the State’s electricity assets.

“Country people have very serious concerns about service levels, price rises and job losses if Morris Iemma pushes through his power privatisation.

“The NSW Liberal/Nationals have outlined we cannot support Morris Iemma’s plans in the absence of meeting stringent conditions including oversight by the Auditor General, the preparation of a Rural Community Impact Statement and strong safeguards.

“It is vital that Morris Iemma’s plans are put to a vote before Parliament.

“If Gerard Martin doesn’t want the sale to go to a vote on the floor of the Parliament, it is clear he supports the power privatisation.

“The people of Bathurst deserve better.

“If Gerard Martin is not going to look after Bathurst then give someone else a go.

“The NSW Liberal/Nationals will continue to stick up for the people of Bathurst by scrutinising Morris Iemma’s dodgy power privatisation deals,” Mr Stoner said.