Macquarie Bank Has A Bob Each Way

Sydney Morning Herald

Tuesday October 14, 2008

Andrew Clennell

THE former premier Bob Carr is helping Macquarie Bank to lobby the State Government on a sale of NSW Lotteries, sources have told the Herald.

The sources said Macquarie Bank had been spruiking the involvement of Mr Carr in its lobbying efforts and that he would advise on the privatisation of NSW Lotteries, which some say could add a one-off $1 billion to Government coffers if it were sold in the mini-budget.

Speculation was also raised of Mr Carr's involvement in lobbying the Government to sell State Forests and Waste Service NSW.

Mr Carr denied any involvement yesterday but would not rule out working for Macquarie Bank on privatisation proposals.

He refused to speak to the Herald directly, but a spokesman said: "He's had no meetings or conversations with anyone in Government about the privatisation of lotteries. He can't tell them anything about privatisation or he can't tell them anything about the state lotteries that they don't already know.

"Mr Carr has got a broad knowledge of public policy and 20 years' experience in government. He's not going to rule out advising Macquarie Bank or anyone else about any public policy issues."

The Opposition spokesman on gaming and racing, George Souris, said: "I have heard from industry sources the privatisations are in and it's expected that Bob Carr will do the lobbying."

The Government is expected to consider privatisation as it attempts to plug a $1 billion hole in the November 11 mini-budget.

A spokesman for the Premier said he was not aware of Mr Carr lobbying government officials.