SYDNEY—NSW Premier Morris Iemma has stood firm on the Government's move to sell off the state's electricity business.
If plans go ahead to privatise retailers and lease out the generators, the deal would generate around $10 billion and would release more funds for essential frontline Government services.
Mr Iemma scuttled media reports today that an uprising against the deal by local branch members of the Labor Party had caused him to considering altering the plan.
"It's absurd and ridiculous," Mr Iemma told reporters.
"The Government has made its decision - it's gone through the caucus and it's gone through the cabinet."
He said he's been meeting with branch members and explaining why the deal, in its current form, is the best for NSW.
"I understand there are elements of the party and the trade union movement who don't like this," Mr Iemma said.
"The more information, the more detail we give to the party branches, they'll see it's the balanced packaged. It's the right one for New South Wales."
The Government has agreed not to move ahead with the sale until the state Labor conference, which has been brought forward by one month to this May.
Mr Iemma would not be drawn into speculation of what the Government would do if the party voted down the sell-off.
"You're asking me today what (the) conference will decide," he said.
"Ask me on the day or the day after that conference has actually decided."
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