“400 jobs will disappear from a Port Macquarie call centre if electricity is privatised with many more retail jobs to follow,” Mr Langley said. “This will throw the local economy into an instant recession. The people of Port Macquarie have a very real interest in the electricity privatisation issue but will have no democratic representation in the Parliament if this issue is debated before October 18.”

“We have owned the electricity system for 100 years. Surely Mr Iemma can wait another 60 days so the people of Port can have a say,” Mr Langley said.

“Given that no mention of electricity privatisation was heard of during the State election last year, the Port Macquarie by-election will most likely be the only opportunity for any people in NSW to pass judgement on the policy.”

“Iemma’s only stated reason for electricity privatisation at the ALP State Conference this year was that without selling off these assets proper investment in other services would be compromised. This is nothing more than an admission of incompetence in managing the budget. All other governments over the last 100 years have been able to develop public services and infrastructure without selling off electricity,” Mr Langley said.

“Incompetence is a reason to resign, not a reason to erode our democracy” Mr Langley said.