National parks in NSW will be opened up to recreational hunters as part of a deal between the Shooters and Fishers Party and the government to ensure passage of its electricity privatisation bill.

The decision, announced by the Premier, Barry O'Farrell, this morning, represents a significant backdown by the Premier, who has repeatedly ruled out allowing shooting in national parks.

Barry O'Farrell. Credit:AFR

The government's electricity privatisation bill has been stalled in the NSW upper house because of a lack of support from Shooters and Fisher's Party MPs, who share the balance of power.

It needs the support of at least one of the MPs to pass legislation opposed by Labor and the Greens.