[Greens-Media] Coalition transport plan raises privatisation fears

[Susie Gemmell]

Media Release 
5 February 2008
 
Coalition transport plan raises privatisation fears
 
The NSW Opposition’s plan to create a separate public transport
planning authority is a step in the right direction provided it is not
an excuse to restructure the state’s buses, ferries and trains for
privatisation, according to Greens MP and transport spokesperson, Lee
Rhiannon.
 
“There is no question that coordinating public transport planning
would improve the ability of all three modes to work together to provide
an integrated service,” said Ms Rhiannon.
 
“Our fear is that once transport planning and operations have been
separated, it would be much easier to sell off each of the modes.
 
“Is this the real agenda behind Gladys Berejiklian’s announcement?
 
“Is the hidden agenda a restructure that leaves critical public
transport operations and infrastructure ready to be sold off to the
highest bidder? 
 
“Privatisation of the buses, ferries and trains would shift
responsibility for operational decisions and much of the cost of running
the systems away from the state government into the hands of the
corporations who buy them.
 
“The restructure would enable a future Coalition government to peddle
the deception that privatising the operational bodies would not affect
services or timetables.
 
“The public should have no confidence in the Coalition’s plan
unless Mr O’Farrell gives an iron-clad guarantee that none of the
network will be privatised under a future Liberal National government in
NSW.
 
“Anything less leaves the Opposition open to the accusation that they
are following previous Coalition governments that have run down public
services.
 
“Public transport, like electricity supply, is too important to place
in private hands. 
 
“Maintaining full public ownership is essential to reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, solving congestion and urban air pollution and
ensuring that new suburbs and outer-metropolitan communities are well
serviced,” said Ms Rhiannon. 
 
 
For more information:       Lee Rhiannon - 0427 861 568 

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Susie Gemmell
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Mon-Wed)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0431 458 102
Email susie.gemmell at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au