Rally against power sell-off

By John McGill

ADELAIDE -- More than 200 people attended a candlelight rally here on June 3 to oppose the privatisation of South Australia's electricity utility, ETSA.

Kevin Burrows, from the New Zealand Public Service Association, told the protesters of the disaster electricity privatisation had created in Auckland earlier this year. He explained how Mercury Energy's efforts to maximise profits resulted in routine maintenance work not being done, which led to a six-week blackout of the CBD. The drive for profits has also resulted in a record number of deaths in the NZ industry because health and safety issues are being ignored, he said.

A retired ETSA worker spoke about the problems country areas will face if ETSA is sold. State Labor leader Mike Rann and Sandra Kanke from the Australian Democrats also spoke.

Kanke exposed the role of the ALP in undermining public utilities and insisting on competition. However, she did not commit the Democrats to oppose privatisation. For this she was roundly booed.

The rally passed a resolution opposing the privatisation of ETSA, condemning the Olsen Liberal government and calling on all political parties to honour their pre-election commitment not to privatise.

A community group opposing the privatisation of ETSA has been formed. For information, telephone Michelle Hogan on 8212 3155.

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