Shadow Minister for Energy, Duncan Gay and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services and Duty Member for Monaro, Melinda Pavey, met with Snowy Hydro workers in Cooma last Thursday.

Mrs Pavey said the workers expressed concerns about their future and that of the company now that Snowy Hydro has been excluded from bidding in the NSW electricity assets sell-off.

Mr Gay said it was not too late for the government to change its decision.

He said it was not only the local workers who were affected by the exclusion “this is a taxpayer owned company, but it’s being put at risk “

Mrs Pavey said the workers were very angry.

“They want to present a petition to the Premier”.

“This a great chance to grow a local business and we will be putting pressure on the government,” she said.

Mr Gay said NSW treasurer, Eric Roozendaal had refused to answer any questions about the matter in Parliament.

“We will write to the ACCC” Mrs Pavey said.

Mr Gay said the Nationals believed the sale of electricity assets was just a “firesale”.

“We will continue to try to stop it” he said.

“It is important pressure is maintained. There is window of opportunity for the new minister (Steve Whan ) and the new Premier to act” he said.

Despite several calls to Snowy Hydro for comment from The Monaro Post, none have been forthcoming.