Unions vow to fight Western Power and Horizon Power fire sale

Electricity unions have vowed to take the fight against the fire sale of Western Power and Horizon Power all the way to the election.

In his budget speech, Treasurer Mike Nahan announced a re-elected Barnett Government would place both Western Power and Horizon Power’s Pilbara poles and wires on the market, as a part of a $16 billion fire sale of government assets.

The WA branches of the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and Australian Services Union (ASU) joined forces in 2014 to campaign against the privatisation of WA’s electricity network, and have commenced radio, print and online advertising to fight the government’s privatisation program. 

ETU WA Branch Secretary Les McLaughlan said privatisation would come at great cost to the community.

“With privatisation, the community always pays,” said Mr McLaughlan.

“The number one priority of a private company is to maximise profits.  This means higher prices, and cost cutting in the form of fewer jobs and reduced maintenance budgets.

“The end result is a less safe and less reliable electricity supply, and higher prices for households and businesses.”

ASU WA Branch Secretary Wayne Wood said there was now a clear choice for voters

“Colin Barnett and the Liberals are intent upon selling vital electricity infrastructure all around the state to pay off the debt they have wracked up building vanity projects like the malfunctioning Elizabeth Quay,” he said.

“Fortunately, the Labor Party has come out strongly against the privatisation of Western Power and Horizon Power, so there will be a very clear choice for voters at next year’s state election.

“We are going to ramp up our advertising and community campaign to ensure this is the defining issue of the state election in March.”