Rush To Sell ACTEW Puts Workers Jobs At Risk

Wayne Berry - Opposition Spokesperson on Industrial Relations

Media Statement - 1 March 2000

"Attempts by the ACT Government to rush through legislation that will allow the sale of ACTEW is a danger sign for ACTEW employees", Labor Shadow Industrial Relations Minister, Wayne Berry, said today.

"Buried in the legislation is a provision which makes ACTEW merely a labour hire organisation that supplies workers for the new company. Already warning bells are ringing about future employment prospects in the new company.

"Minister Gary Humphries has raised doubts about employment prospects after the sale. He said on ABC Radio:

• 'Well, I mean, the question of how large the workforce needs to be for the joint venture is an on-going issue, irrespective of whether ACTEW is in a partnership with AGL or not.'

"This is clearly code for trouble on the employment front with the new owners of ACTEW hiring their employees from old ACTEW in a labour hire agreement. This is a similar arrangement to the Patrick's deal that led to industrial warfare on the waterfront."

"On top of this, Mr Humphries has admitted very little information is currently available. When pressed on the matter Mr Humphries said publicly that 'more information will transpire for some period of time to come.'

"Yet the Carnell Government wants the Assembly to approve the deal this week. With a history that includes the Bruce Stadium fiasco, the failed hospital implosion and Kate Carnell's last attempt to sell ACTEW who would trust the Carnell Government around the corner.

I don't agree with the part sale of ACTEW - it is merely full privatisation by stealth which has always been on the Carnell Humphries' agenda.

"The threat to future employment prospects and the lack of information about the plans confirms the need to oppose the Carnell Government's plans to go ahead with the sale", Mr Berry concluded.