ELECTRICITY INDUSTRY PRIVATISATION
The Hon. Dr B. P. V. PEZZUTTI: My question is directed to the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council. Have the Government’s advisers Fay, Richwhite Australia Ltd and Merrill Lynch advised the Treasurer and other Ministers that the State’s electricity should be privatised as soon as possible?
The Hon. M. R. EGAN: Fay, Richwhite Australia Ltd has undertaken a great deal of work for the Government on the emerging competitive electricity market. I do not believe that recommendations of the nature referred to in the Hon. Dr B. P. V. Pezzutti’s question would be within its brief.
The Hon. J. P. Hannaford: Did they not advise you? You did not refer to Merrill Lynch. Did they advise you to do it?
The Hon. M. R. EGAN: I understand that Merrill Lynch is part of Fay, Richwhite Australia Ltd. It would be the same advice.
If honourable members have further questions, I suggest they put them on notice.