Power Bill Raises Ire

Newcastle Herald

Friday May 16, 2008

By JULIEANNE STRACHAN

UNIONS have threatened widespread industrial action after Premier Morris Iemma pushed further ahead with plans to privatise NSW's electricity industry.

Only hours before leaving yesterday on a nine-day trip to China, Mr Iemma angered the union movement by giving NSW Parliament notice of legislation to enable his electricity sell-off.

The bills, to be debated in June, will guarantee MPs a vote on the proposal.

The Electricity Industry Restructuring Bill also leaves open the possibility of the State Government selling off its power generators by way of an initial public offering.

However, Mr Iemma insisted his preference remained to lease the generators under long-term agreements and sell off the electricity retailers.

Union NSW boss John Robertson said he was disappointed the Premier had given notice of the legislation while negotiations were continuing.

He said unions were preparing widespread industrial action, possibly starting next week.

"The workplaces will determine [what type of action], but it will be targeted at the Government and looking to minimise the impact on the community," Mr Robertson said.

Newcastle Trades Hall secretary Garry Kennedy said the legislation made a mockery of the ongoing negotiations between unions, senior ALP officials and Government heads.

"The whole thing is an arrogant crash-or-crash-through mentality and consultation is just nonsense," he said.

"The Government is hell-bent on having their way."

United Services Union electricity spokesman Scott McNamara said he would not rule out strike action.

"We are talking to union members about what action we can take to stop the Government," he said.

Mr Kennedy said his organisation would support Hunter MPs who defied caucus and voted against privatisation.

"If these MPs are disendorsed we will support them," he said.

Mr Iemma said yesterday his legislation would ensure a parliamentary vote, and he expected all of his MPs to show "caucus solidarity" and support the proposal. with AAP

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© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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