"Utilities don't reinvest in infrastructure as much as they could because they're seen for political and financial reasons as some sort of milk cow"

Australian Industry Group Director Mark Goodsell, The Australian 5/07/2010

Shadow Minister for Industry Duncan Gay today slammed the Keneally Labor Government for its long history of stripping dividends from NSW's utilities.

Mr Gay commented after an analysis by The Australian showed the dividend take from utilities is biggest in NSW, rising from $1.7 billion this year to $2.7 billion in 2013-2014, mainly because of increased electricity network charges.

"By 2013 NSW Labor will have ripped up to $17 billion in dividends from the State's electricity retailers, but we have seen barely any of this being invested back into the infrastructure.

"The NSW public are feeling the pressure of this State Labor Government's incompetence.

"Through its mishandling of the State's energy assets the Keneally Labor Government is responsible for these increased cost of living pressures.

"NSW electricity customers are paying over and over again in their bills for the Keneally Labor Government's incompetence and failure to manage the State's infrastructure."   

Mr Gay also said the collective effect of price rises within electricity, gas and water would hit pensioners on fixed income salaries, people on disability pensions and struggling families the hardest this winter.

"I believe these increases should not be treated in isolation and that the Government should take more care to look into the timing so that the public are not hit with these all in one go," he said.

“This is a State Labor Government that is completely out of touch with the NSW public, and a failed Government that has forgotten what the real priorities of the day should be.

“Unlike the Keneally Labor Government, the NSW Liberals & Nationals are committed to putting the needs of the NSW people first." 

“By choosing NSW seafood, the public can be assured of some of the best seafood in the world, a premium quality product that is fresh to eat and enjoy... Buying local seafood helps maintain this important industry and supports regional economies and employment.”

Steve Whan Press Release July 5 2010

Shadow Minister for Industry Duncan Gay today slammed the hypocrisy within the Keneally Labor Government.

"Minister for Primary Industries Steve Whan recently issued a media release calling on the public to visit a new website advising people to buy NSW seafood," said Mr Gay.

"I wonder whether Cabinet Ministers in the Keneally Labor Government actually talk to one another.

“If they did Mr Whan would be aware that his colleague and Minister for the Environment, Frank Sartor, has issued media releases advising of zoning changes to the Solitary Islands and Jervis Bay Marine Parks.

"This includes locking up reefs and areas where fish congregate and within the Solitary Islands Marine Park banning all prawn trawling in an industry worth more than $16 million and 120 jobs in the local Coffs Harbour economy.

“The local economies and commercial fishers have also been hard hit by the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Parks and Batemans Bay marine parks; many fishers have been driven out of the industry and whole communities have suffered.

“I totally agree with Mr Whan in that local seafood is vital to  industry and regional economies, so I would urge Mr Whan to contact his Cabinet colleague, Frank Sartor, and inform him of these facts."

Mr Gay said the restrictions on commercial fishers meant a greater reliance on imported seafood, which is already rapidly increasing each year.

“I challenge Mr Whan to come out and support the local fishing communities up and down the coast who have suffered under Labor's Marine Park zoning plans," he said.

“This is a State Labor Government that is completely out of touch with the NSW public, and a failed Government that has forgotten what the real priorities of the day should be.

“Unlike the Keneally Labor Government, the NSW Liberals & Nationals are committed to putting the needs of the NSW public first."

Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Duncan Gay today welcomed the announcement that in Government the NSW Liberals & Nationals will appoint a Minister for Primary Industries.

The NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell made the announcement at the NSW Farmers Association Annual Conference today.

"This announcement reflects the critical importance of the sector, and to ensure it has an advocate in Cabinet and its decision-making process," Mr Gay said.

"This issue was raised at the Rebuilding the Regions workshop in Dubbo on Friday.

"This fast action from the NSW Liberals & Nationals demonstrates how committed we are to listening to the community's concerns and taking fast action."

Mr Gay said he has been in discussion with the NSW Farmers in relation to this issue.

"Some people have expressed concern as to the lack of prominence of agriculture within the Government's mega-Ministry, which has seen ongoing staffing cutbacks and loss of resources," said Mr Gay.

"We believe it's imperative that such an important sector like agriculture is given the prominence it deserves.

"That is precisely why the NSW Liberals & Nationals have taken the very important and necessary step of changing the title to 'Primary Industries' to ease any confusion.

"The NSW Liberals & Nationals are absolutely committed to ensuring that agriculture receives a strong, senior voice at the Cabinet table.

"We are committed to maintaining a strong separate voice for Agriculture in NSW."

Mr Gay said the NSW Liberals & Nationals will ensure Agriculture gets the attention it deserves and not be shunned to the back stalls.

"Whilst I have been working extremely hard in this area under the 'Industry' title, I look forward to taking on the title of NSW Shadow Minister for Primary Industries to reinforce the NSW Liberals & Nationals' commitment to the importance of agricultural in NSW," said Mr Gay.

The fact drought conditions have remained virtually unchanged from last month must prompt swift action from the Keneally Labor Government, Shadow Minister for Primary Industries Duncan Gay said today.

The portion of NSW in drought has stabilised at 13.4%, down just 0.5% from last month.

"NSW Labor must recognise that many of these farmers still battling through the drought now have to deal with the added burden of huge locust plagues which are forecast to begin hatching in the coming months," said Mr Gay.

"It's very easy to dismiss the 13.4% of the state which is drought declared as a small portion, but the fact is many of these farmers at breaking point.

"The portion of the state that is marginal remains virtually the same as last month at 44.1%, which means the underlying concern remains, that this fragile status could go either way.

"Premier Kristina Keneally and Primary Industries Minister Steve Whan must immediately offer further assistance to these farmers.

"NSW Labor must take the necessary action on the management of locusts.

"Many farmers were finally hopeful of a bumper season after many long years of drought, with some only to be struck down by locusts.

"I heard from farmers in May who had to completely start again and resew their crops- financially, it's a huge problem.

"The Keneally Labor Government must come up with a proper funding package to help farmers affected by locusts as a matter of urgency.

"NSW Labor must also change the locust loan into a grant. I have said this from the outset; it's simply not a cost farmers should be hit with.

“I stand by my comments that the NSW Liberals & Nationals will not give up on its fight for the Keneally Labor Government to provide adequate drought assistance measures to our farmers until 18 months after the drought has broken.

“NSW Labor must also implement sufficient measures to combat pests like locusts.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals are determined to bring about a fairer deal for our farmers."