Balance of power to Fred Nile

#1063 for broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 19 April 2015

The NSW government led by Mike Baird will most likely rely on cross-bench support from the Christian Democratic Party, led by the Reverend Fred Nile, who will head an inquiry into the lease of electricity poles and wires, and who has lent qualified support for a public float of the assets.

Reverend Nile will also be seeking government support for Scripture classes in schools, legal recognition of the unborn child, and raising the legal drinking age to 21 years, policies of interest to the NSW Council of Churches.

But the window of opportunity may close once Mr Baird sees his signature poles and wires project underway. He said he is only interested in a life in politics while he can “make a difference.” A career in federal politics may prove irresistible, in which case Christian Democratic Party politicians in the upper house may find it more difficult to secure their policy wish list.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.