In a joint statement released on Monday, Opposition leader Barry O’Farrell and Nationals leader Andrew Stoner said the government would not put the current legislation to the vote in parliament.

“The treasurer indicated legislation will be introduced to require the Auditor General to provide a report to the Parliament before any vote on legislation allowing the sale of the state’s electricity assets,” the statement said.

“A rural and regional communities impact statement will also be completed and released, focusing on issues such as jobs, prices and service levels, and providing for genuine community consultation.”

The Iemma Government has also agreed to meet the Coalitions conditions on an independent oversight committee to monitor spending of any proceeds, a parliamentary committee to guarantee delivery of renewable energy commitments and a review of the effectiveness of proposed safety nets for pensioners and other low income earners.

In the statement, Mr O’Farrell and Mr Stoner said the Coalition welcomed the “belated decision to put the public interest first.”

“These community safeguards should have been included from the outset.”

Member for Upper Hunter George Souris has been vocal in his opposition since the privatisation plans were announced.

He said the premier had backed down on putting the legislation to the vote because he didn’t have the numbers for it to be passed.

“It’s a fairly humiliating position for the premier to be in, he deserves to be in that position and he brought it upon himself,” Mr Souris said.

Mr Souris said Mr Iemma had shown “incredible arrogance” by pushing on with the sell-off bid despite opposition from the community and within his own party.

Mr Souris said the Coalition now wanted a number of questions answered on the sell-off plan, such as whether the privatisation would be by float or trade sale and whether a monopoly buyer would be allowed.

Mr Souris said the question also remained whether the sale was in the best interest of the people of NSW or whether provision of electricity services could be capably provided by the state government.

Mr Souris said he believed the legislation would not be seen again until late in the year, with Parliament going into a three-month winter recess at the end of June and not returning until the last week of September.

“The minimum timeframe that we would be expecting any feedback from the Auditor General would be later than that - I wouldn’t be surprised if it was not until the end of the year,” he said.

Mr Souris said opposition was deeply entrenched and he could not see opposition to the Bill dissipating over coming months like the Premier would like.

Mr Souris said he had received many communications and emails from electricity workers in the Upper Hunter on the issue.

“I am very thankful for receiving those,” he said.