Despite the State Labor Government’s claim NSW will soon run out of power, it has deferred almost $900 million of expenditure on the energy sector and increased the risk of blackouts, said Shadow Minister for Energy Mike Baird.
“Every family should brace themselves for an increase in power blackouts as our electricity budget has been bled dry,” Mr Baird said.
“In further evidence of the upside-down world of the Rees/Roozendaal Mini Budget, almost $900 million that was allocated for capital expenditure on the State’s electricity sector has been seized.
“We have all heard the State’s electricity demand is about to outstrip supply and yet the State Labor Government is pulling almost a billion dollars of capital expenditure that was planned for the energy sector.”
The Mini Budget reveals $857 million worth of network and non-network capital expenditure in the energy sector has been deferred over the forward estimates period.
“It is clear the State Labor Government is sacrificing NSW’s energy needs in a futile attempt to balance the budget. What has happened in just three months?
“The State Labor Government may benefit in the short-term by having extra money in the kitty, however every family in NSW will pay as the State’s electricity network fails to cope with demand.
“Not one power generator has been built in NSW since Labor came to office in 1995 despite $11 billion in taxes and dividends being seized from the State’s electricity assets over this period.
“Instead of draining the electricity budget, the State Labor Government should be curtailing its expenses, which have consistently exceeded revenue growth for at least the last four years.
“This State Labor Government has a history of manipulating budget results but risking future blackouts is a new low,” Mr Baird said.
MEDIA: Lisa Harrington - 0406 726 880
|
