To the relief of those of us concerned about Australia's response to the threat of climate change, the recent federal election delivered a positive result. The swift ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by the new Labor government was a hopeful first step towards meaningful progress. Also encouraging is the presence of the new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, and many of his ministers, at the UN negotiations at the Bali climate conference.

Nothing definite has yet come from the conference about the role Australia, as a developed country, is willing to take to combat climate change. However, while Australia can correctly insist that 2020 targets are not up for discussion in Bali, there is a strong argument from developing nations that there should be no concessions by them until the developed world takes the lead on cutting emissions. At this point we remain hopeful and are maintaining a watching brief.

At NSW state government level, there is less cause for optimism.

The media concentration on the federal election has meant that state issues have taken a back seat. While the Australian government attempts to find ways to cut our emissions, the state government in 2006 approved the giant Anvil Hill and Moolarben coal mines, and is considering development applications for more mines which would produce another 20 million tonnes a year.

On Monday 10 December the state Labor government voted to sell NSW state-owned electricity retail companies and lease its power generation companies to the private sector. There has been little public discussion about all the implications of this, particularly for potential impacts on climate change and development of the renewable energy industry.

However, comments by members of the public in the 'Letters to the Editor' of the Sydney Morning Herald have raised a number of concerns.

A copy of the email is shown below.

If you prefer to write (the only absolutely certain way to be sure your message is read), post to Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney 2000.