Mike Kelly.
FEDERAL Member for Eden-Monaro Mike Kelly has rejected suggestions that he "influenced" the decision by Snowy Hydro to find a successor to long-time chief executive Terry Charlton.
The suggestion was made in state Parliament by state Member for Monaro John Barilaro last week. Dr Kelly represents Labor, Mr Barilaro is a member of the Nationals.
Dr Kelly said it was a "spurious and ridiculous" suggestion and neither he nor the federal government had played any role.
He expected the new chief executive would be someone with outstanding business acumen who had an eye on, and an understanding of, the importance of Snowy Hydro's relationship with the community.
Dr Kelly also rejected suggestions that the issue of possible privatisation had played any role in Mr Charlton's impending departure.
He said he was still waiting for shadow treasurer Joe Hockey to back away from an expressed willingness to privatise the company.
