The Federal Government published its Energy White Paper to
set the agenda on energy and electricity. Some in the media, as well as some
state politicians, have been saying that the White Paper supports electricity
privatisation. Some have also been referring to the Federal Government and
Prime Minister's views as supporting privatisation.
From the outset, the ASU has challenged these comments, with
our view that the White Paper does not specifically call for privatisation to
occur.
The ASU has reviewed the ALP policies on electricity
privatisation across the non-electricity privatised states, which all oppose
electricity privatisation, as well as the ALP national policy which also does
not support electricity privatisation.
The misinterpretations have been of concern to communities
and ASU members. To clear up the matter the ASU wrote to the Prime Minister
seeking clarification on the Federal Government's position. This ultimately saw
the ASU National Office and a number of ASU Branches meet with the Prime
Minister, with the Prime Minister advising the Government does not support
privatisation of electricity, including the following quote from the attached
letter:
I also note there has been a number
of misconceptions and inaccurate reporting claiming that the Energy White Paper
advocates the privatisation of state electricity assets and that this is the
view of the Government.
To be clear, the Government has not
and does not advocate for the privatisation of electricity assets. To argue
that the Energy White Paper supports privatisation is wrong and is not
representative of my views or the position of the Government.
Further, with regard to specific
proposals regarding privatisation of electricity assets by state governments,
while these are ultimately matters for voters in these states, my Government
has no intention of supporting or advocating plans for privatisation.
A full copy of the letter arising from the meeting with the
ASU can be downloaded here: 
PM letter to ASU regarding energy privatisation.
PM letter to ASU regarding energy privatisation.
ASU Assistant National Secretary Greg McLean, who
coordinated the ASU work in this area, including the earlier consultations
around the White Paper over a number of years and ASU recent arguments over the
last 12 months said, "The ASU meeting with the Prime Minister and the
commitment of the Government is an important step for ASU members and those
that use the essential public services of electricity across the whole
country."
"This statement by the Prime Minister confirming that
the Government's Energy White Paper does not call for electricity
privatisation, as some in the media have reported and some state government
ministers have misunderstood, is welcome.
"It was very pleasing to meet with the Prime Minister
to clarify the issues and to have her comments confirmed in a letter to the ASU
is greatly appreciated – it's also the clearest call we have seen on
electricity and energy by any Australian government," Greg McLean
concluded.
ASU Branches will be reporting individually to their members
in the energy industry.
Contact Details
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Name:
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Greg McLean, ASU Assistant
National Secretary
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Telephone:
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+61 419 796 801
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Email:
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