NSW: No change in stance on NSW Lotteries: OFarrell

AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-2009
NSW: No change in stance on NSW Lotteries: OFarrell

SYDNEY, Aug 18 AAP - NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell is adamant his position
on the privatisation of NSW Lotteries has not changed, despite reports the shadow cabinet
wants to support the sell-off.

Mr O'Farrell said although the sale of NSW Lotteries remained Liberal Party policy,
he still wants to ensure the state government's proposal properly protects newsagents.

"We support the sale of state lotteries provided that newsagents are looked after.

We made that point in 2007, we made that point after the budget, we make that point today,"

Mr O'Farrell told reporters.

Treasurer Eric Roozendaal last week announced six protective measures for newsagents
as part of the plans to sell NSW Lotteries.

They include a three-year freeze on NSW Lotteries products being sold by any new agent
and a guarantee over the same period that stores will not have to change signage or terminals.

The move was as much to appease the opposition as newsagents, with the coalition saying
it opposed the sale originally because proper protections were not in place.

But with the concessions made, Fairfax reported on Wednesday that senior coalition
MPs would push the shadow cabinet to support the sale.

"There's been no change despite what others are saying," Mr O'Farrell said.

Mr O'Farrell said he would hold discussions with newsagent groups and look at the legislation
before a definite decision was made.

With no majority in the upper house and minor parties opposing the plans, the state
government needs the support of the coalition for the sell-off legislation to pass NSW
Parliament.

AAP nr/hn/jhp

KEYWORD: LOTTERIES NSW

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