LOCAL jobs will be slashed and services junked if the state government forges ahead with a partial sell-off of the electricity network, anti-privatisation campaigners have warned.
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In what is shaping as a key battleground issue for the region in March’s state election, representatives from the union-funded Stop the Sell-Off group were in Tamworth yesterday to denounce the government’s plans to sell Transgrid, the operator of the state’s high-voltage network.
Stop the Sell-Off campaign director Adam Kerslake said the sell-off, triggered if the Coalition won the election, would plunge into jeopardy 60 Transgrid jobs in Tamworth alone.
“This is a decision between protecting local jobs by keeping TransGrid and Essential Energy in public hands, or risking higher prices and poorer services under a new, profit-driven owner,” Mr Kerslake said.
He warned the group would continue to lobby in Tamworth to make the proposed sale an election issue.
“On March 28, the people of Tamworth will have a choice between the National Party’s privatisation plan or ongoing public ownership of the electricity network, which is supported by Peter Draper,” Mr Kerslake said.
“Not only are 60 Transgrid jobs in Tamworth now at risk, but the reality is electricity prices will increase as the private owners try to maximise their profits.”
The group has also expressed fears the government would flog off Essential Energy if it was given another term after Premier Mike Baird failed to rule out a sale in future.
Nationals MPs in June convinced the government to keep Essential Energy in public hands, also managing to secure 30 per cent of revenue generated from the sale of poles and wires for regional electorates.
Mr Anderson said while it was “difficult to guarantee anything long-term”, he was confident Essential Energy would remain a public entity.
“Essential Energy remains in government hands and I have no reason to think otherwise,” Mr Anderson said.
“I’m concerned about possible (Transgrid) job losses but I’ve spoken to those workers and assured them I’ll fight for every job.”
He also rubbished claims a sale would force up power bills, saying the government had already helped keep a lid on rising prices.
Retired Transgrid worker John Brennan said workers at the company were fearful of what lay ahead and too scared to speak out.
“They are concerned about their jobs and they are concerned service levels will not be as high,” Mr Brennan said.
“If it’s private, they will probably get the cheapest contractors in and stop employing new apprentices.”