Doug Cameron (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

I indicate that the Labor will support this amendment. We have worked collectively with the Greens on this amendment. This amendment seeks to prevent grants of payments under the Asset Recycling Initiative—that is, the 15 per cent initiative in respect of privatisation that are for state assets that provide essential services. By definition, 'essential services' provide the essentials of life. It is most important that transactions involving these assets not be sold in a fire sale atmosphere. In this respect, Labor notes the comments by the ACCC Chairman Mr Rod Sims to the effect that it would be keeping a close eye on state privatisations in the face of this incentive.