Iemma government dumps key Unsworth environmental and low income conditions

Dr Kaye said: "No amount of sweetener was ever going to disguise the bitter pill.
 
"The Iemma government just short-changed sell-off supporters by ditching key protections for the environment and low income households and by failing to secure jobs and employment conditions in the power industry.
 
"Premier Morris Iemma specifically rejected the recommendation that his government not advocate for shielding the owners of the coal-fired power stations from carbon trading.
 
"This leaves Treasurer Michael Costa free to continue his crusade against Prof Ross Garnaut's strong opposition to handing out free emissions permits.
 
"The Total Environment Centre's Jeff Angel who endorsed the privatisation should feel betrayed.
 
"The most important condition that gained his support for the sell-off has been dumped.
 
"It's hardly surprising that the Iemma government wants to continue its lobbying exercise on  in Canberra.
 
"Without compensation or free permits, it is unlikely that the banks or the international utility industry would have the slightest interest in purchasing the industry.
 
"UnitingCare's Harry Herbert should also now withdraw his agreement now that he too has lost a key condition. The Iemma government is not going to provide concessions to all Health Care cardholders as is done in Victoria and South Australia.
 
"It was never going to be possible to disguise the damage that privatisation will do to the environment, disadvantaged households or employees. The Iemma government has now given up on maintaining the pretence that it would try," Dr Kaye said.
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455