09 April 2009

NSW Business Chamber has welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to privatise NSW Lotteries.

“This decision goes to the heart of the efficient public administration and clearly passes the public interest test,” said Kevin MacDonald, CEO of NSW Business Chamber.

“We’ve long argued the case for the privatisation of government agencies which distract from the core activities of government. Government should devote its resources to frontline services as opposed to non-essential agencies.

Mr MacDonald said that the recent privatisation of the fast ferry service to Manly is an example of the benefits of private operation.

“The fast ferry service to Manly is already paying dividends and has received strong support from commuters.

NSW Business Chamber has been the lead advocate of the privatisation of non-essential government assets to fund better infrastructure and services:

Mr MacDonald said that the Premier, Treasurer and the Government should be commended for taking a leadership position on a difficult area of public policy.

NSW Business Chamber has over 30,000 members and is affiliated with 110 chambers of commerce throughout NSW and the ACT.

Media Contact: Chris Taylor 0419 692 236