“Today’s performance by the State Labor Government to back down from the debate is a clear indication that it was too gutless from the start to put the vote on the table and come face to face with the fact they have lost the battle.

“Never in my 20 years in Parliament have I seen such a poor act of leadership.

“What sort of government brings the legislation in through the back door, straight to the House of Review ?”.

Mr Gay said the decision to recall Parliament had cost the taxpayers of NSW a wasted half a million dollars because the cowardly State Government couldn’t bring itself to face failure yet again.

“Governments only get one opportunity to sell a public asset and, if they decide to sell, it’s essential that taxpayers get the best possible price.

“That’s not possible given the current uncertainty in the energy sector.

“The Iemma Labor Government has an appalling record of dealing with the private sector – the list of failed public promises is growing out of control.

“Mr Iemma’s campaign to privatise electricity, despite promising during last year’s election not to, means the public will never be able to trust anything he says about power.

“Morris Iemma and Michael Costa have failed to get any legislative guarantees from the Rudd Government about emission trading and compensation issues.”

Mr Gay said capital market uncertainty was another factor given in the Iemma Government’s lowering of expectations on sale price.

“A decision to sell in the face of this uncertainty would be economically irresponsible.

“The NSW Liberal/Nationals are determined to do what’s right for the people of NSW.

“We are determined to act in the community interest.

“Unlike Labor at the last election, the NSW Liberal/Nationals will put our energy policy to the people before the next election.

“The policy will take into account the economic conditions and the changing nature of the energy industry.”