Peter Hall MLC
Nationals Spokesperson for the Environment
190 Franklin St
Traralgon 3844
5174 7066

Dear Editor,

Despite all its rhetoric, the Bracks Government is not at all serious about guaranteeing water releases to the Snowy and Murray Rivers and nor is it serious about retaining public ownership of Australia's largest generator of renewable energy.

Under legislation passed this month by the Victorian Parliament, approval of the sale of Victoria's share in the Snowy Hydro Authority requires a simple majority of both houses of the Parliament.

If the Bracks Government retains its majority in both houses after the November election, there will be nothing stopping it from attempting to sell this iconic public asset once again.

In 2003 the Bracks Government amended the Constitution Act to prevent the privatisation of every Victorian water authority with only one exception - Snowy Hydro. Those amendments mean water authorities cannot be sold unless the sale is approved by a 3/5 majority of the Parliament. The Nationals have recently tried to have the same conditions imposed on Victoria's share of Snowy Hydro, but the Bracks Government voted against this proposal.

This decision demonstrates a lack of sincere commitment to do what Victorians expected of the Labor Government - that being to guarantee that Snowy Hydro is retained in the public's ownership.

Again it seems the hopes and aspirations of Victorians have been blatantly ignored by the Bracks Government. Meanwhile the trickle that purports to be the iconic Snowy River flows on.

Yours Sincerely,

Peter Hall
Nationals Spokesperson for the Environment