SP Newsletter No.207
The NSW state Labor government’s plan to sell off public electricity is theft on a grand scale. While the Iemma government is going ahead with the plan, opposition from the trade unions and the general public is growing. The Socialist Party stands totally opposed to this and all other privatisations.

The Carr Labor government tried to sell off electricity in NSW in 1997. Campaigning by the unions and the ALP state conference stopped the sale. The NSW ALP has not changed its colours since then and it is fully committed to trying to sell off the peoples assets so they can line the pockets of their big business supporters.

The Iemma government has decided to sell off the retail arm of electricity and lease generators saying that this is the only way that the states electricity needs can be funded. In order to try and sway union, dissenting ALP and public opinion, Iemma had a ten member committee headed by right wing former premier NSW Barry Unsworth examine the privatisation proposals and found that they meet Labor Party policy platform for the sale of public assets.. The result was not unanimous with the three union representatives remaining opposed and producing a dissenting report.

Kevin Rudd is also starting to show his true colours “I understand how politically problematic it is, but we need to make sure that we get proper generating capacity for the state for the future; I support Premier Iemma’s direction,” he said. Selling off electricity assets is also the policy of the NSW Coalition opposition led by Barry O’Farrel.

There has already been action to attempt to defeat this privatisation. Unions NSW held a rally outside the steps of Parliament House on February 26 with an estimated 12,000 turning up. Electricity workers also had a 24-hour stoppage on the day. As well, there is an on going campaign of petitions and emails.

In order to defeat the privatisation of electricity in NSW four steps need to be taken:

1) Industrial action not just by electricity workers but also by other unions in NSW - this action should be planned and coordinated by all unions, all delegates meetings which would coordinate mass rallies and industrial action.

2) An ideological struggle against privatisation and the idea of the market as the solution to every problem. Specific emphasis on electricity privatisation in this instance but as part of on going education of all union members and the community of dangers of free market and privatisation policies to workers rights, conditions and pay as well as community services and the environment. Leaflets should go to all union members in NSW outlining the case against privatisation. The main theme should be. No privatisation of any state owned company. You cannot control what you do not own.

3) Continued community campaign against the sell off including petitions, emails, rallies etc with coordination with industrial activity. Use community groups established through Rights at Work Campaign to further this campaign at NSW and local level with ongoing NSW wide and local action.

4) Unions must continue to put pressure on the ALP to stop privatisation including rallies and leafleting outside of NSW state conference. In the shorter term agitation from within the ALP and support from unions for those whose oppose privatisation within the ALP particularly those MP’s who do so, but in the longer term unions along with other progressive individuals and groups need to establish a political party that will defend rights and interest of workers.

Socialist Party regional activity-

Victoria

To find out more about SP in Melbourne contact Anthony on 03 9639 9111.

New South Wales

To find out more about SP in Sydney contact Gary on 02 9728 7727.

To find out more about SP in Newcastle contact Samantha on 02 4968 1545.

Western Australia

To find out more about SP in Perth contact John on 08 9402 0728.

Rest of Australia

To find out more about SP anywhere else in Australia contact our National Office on 03 9639 9111.

Join the Socialist Party

If you agree with what you have read in our newsletter or on our website you should consider joining SP. The Socialist Party has branches in Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle and Perth as well as members and supporters in all other states.

We are involved in trade union work and student work. We also run community, anti-war and environmental campaigns. But most of all we want to build a party that will fight to get rid of the capitalist system. We fight for socialism - a system that will bring an end to wars, poverty and environmental destruction. For more info contact our National Office on 03 9639 9111.

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The Socialist Party is the Australian section of the Committee for a Workers’ International (CWI). To contact or join the SP or the CWI anywhere in Australia, or the world, call +61 3 9639 9111 or email our National Office.

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