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A Dunce of a Premier Without Ability

Friday, 2nd June, 2006

With the impeccable sense of timing which is becoming his hallmark, NSW Premier Morris Iemma yesterday went to Canberra to address the National Press Club and pretend he is a politician of national significance. In the course of his address, a copy of which his staff this morning said was not available to mere members of the public, he referred to the sale of his state's 58% share in the Snowy hydro scheme.

There would be no conscience vote by his own party members on the privatisation, Mr Iemma said. The float would provide money to build infrastructure in NSW. "I want that capital for investment in NSW hospitals, schools and roads," is how he put it.

This morning the sale was off the agenda. “The prime minister has pulled the rug out from under the sale,” Mr Iemma told reporters. “The circumstances are significantly changed. The commonwealth decision makes it extremely difficult for NSW to proceed.”

No mention of the money that will now be needed from some other source to provide for the investment in NSW hospitals, schools and roads.

And all this just as the NSW Liberal Party seems to be moving towards finding a sensible candidate or two for the forthcoming state election despite the factional problems besetting it. Pru Goward will be an excellent member.