WA Labor Party votes to oppose the sale of Western Power

Unions representing thousands of workers in WA’s electricity system have welcomed the outcome of last night’s WA Labor Party State Executive meeting, which saw it vote unanimously to oppose the privatisation or lease (in part or whole) of any publicly owned electricity assets in Western Australia.

The Australian Services Union (ASU) and Electrical Trades Union (ETU) joined forces in 2014 to campaign against the privatisation of WA’s electricity network.   The two unions believe that privatisation will lead to higher prices, poorer quality services, increased bushfire risk and fewer jobs and apprenticeships.

ETU WA Branch Secretary Les McLaughlan said that last night’s vote was an endorsement of the unions campaign against the privatisation of WA’s electricity network.

“We welcome the support of the WA Labor Party in opposing the sale of these valuable public assets,” he said.

“The position formally endorsed by the WA Labor Party last night now offers WA voters a clear choice on this important issue at the next election.”

ASU WA Branch Secretary Wayne Wood also acknowledged the support of WA Labor Party Leader Mark McGowan, who seconded the motion.

“Mark McGowan has shown real leadership on this issue, and I commend him for standing up for what’s in the best interest of Western Australia."

The motion moved and passed reads as follows:

“That WA Labor State Executive reaffirms its strong opposition to the privatisation of publicly owned assets and recognises that this position enables WA Labor to establish a clear and positive point of difference to the Liberal Government, which in turn forms a critical part of the Labor vision to appeal to voters of WA in the lead up to the 2017 state election.

With regard to electricity networks, WA Labor recognises that electricity is an essential service and as such should always remain under public control. WA Labor also notes that public ownership of power assets continues to deliver significant revenue returns to the state which should be used to reduce debt and fund services.

On this basis, State Executive opposes any move to privatise or lease, in part or whole, Western Australian publicly owned electricity networks. 

Moved Les McLaughlan, Seconded Mark McGowan

Passed unanimously”