From: quest2025seq@yahoogroups.com on behalf of James Sinnamon
Sent: Friday, 2 June 2006 1:23 PM
To: quest2025seq@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [quest2025seq] OT: Peter Andren press release:

Cancelled Snowy sale

Yayyyyyy!!!!
This proves that these kinds of issues can be fought and won.

2 June 2006

Cancelled Snowy Sale victory for commonsense

The deep commonsense of the people has prevailed with the cancellation
of the sale of Snowy Hydro by the Commonwealth, NSW and Victorian
governments, according to Peter Andren, Independent Member for Calare.

"The PM and Premiers Iemma and Bracks have finally listened to the
people and cancelled the folly of the Snowy Hydro sale," Mr Andren said.

"This whole saga shows how out of touch both major parties are. It
required me and my independent colleagues, and the minor parties in the
Senate, to keep up the pressure and represent the community voice
against the sale.

"Had it not been for the independents forcing a vote on this issue the
coalition and Labor would have let this sale slip through. Remember
there was to be no debate and no legislation until the public and
independents forced the issue.

"The crossbenches are where the people sit in our parliaments - where
real people-power is exercised.

"I had been inundated with calls, emails and letters from people
throughout the electorate and beyond, all despairing at the sale of
Snowy Hydro. Local talkback radio had been hot on it for the last two
weeks.

"I and my independent House of Representatives colleagues kept the issue
on the parliamentary agenda, questioning the PM and moving to suspend
the sale pending a full public inquiry.

"We then met with Mr Howard, along with other concerned coalition
backbenchers, and reiterated our concerns and community opposition to
the sale - John Howard was obviously listening.

"This and the activism from the community, especially Doug Nicholas and
his letter signed by 56 prominent Australians, pushed the message home
and today we see the results of real people power - it's democracy in
action," Mr Andren said.

"However we must not kid ourselves our democracy is secure. Without
effective crossbench pressure in the Senate and House of Representatives
governments will continue to disregard public opinion.

"I congratulate all of those Australians who have spoken out on this
issue and made themselves heard," he added.

For further information: Peter Andren - 02 6332 6229 or 0419 612
891/Tim Mahony - 0427 480 825.