ETU supports Queensland government legislating Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan
The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) congratulates the Miles state government on passing legislation enshrining the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (QEJP) into law today in Brisbane.
“This legislation will protect the public ownership of our energy assets, a right won through the hard work of ETU members and the community with the Not4Sale campaign,” says ETU Divisional State Secretary Peter Ong.
“This legislation will put downward pressure on energy prices and support energy workers through the transition to renewable energy in this state. Queensland is leading the country and the world with this legislation,” said Mr Ong.
The legislation will ensure 100% public ownership of both poles and wires and deep storage, and over 54% public ownership of generation.
The Liberal National Party (LNP) in Queensland is opposing many part of the legislation, pushing for the right to privatise Queensland’s energy assets.
“As always, the anti-worker LNP opposes this sensible legislation,” said Mr Ong. “David Crisafulli and the LNP are pushing for amendments that would allow for our energy assets to be 100% privatised, and we in Queensland know what that would mean.
“It would mean higher electricity prices, longer blackouts and delayed servicing. For our members, it would mean less jobs for local workers and more outsourcing and short term contracts. It means and worse pay and conditions. It opens up the risk for workplaces to become less safe, which, for energy workers, includes increased risk of electrical shock.”
“The union is very pleased to see sensible legislation being passed that will mean lower electricity costs for consumers, and a real plan put in place for our transition to renewable energy that looks after the workers who will build and maintain those assets,” said Mr Ong.
For more information, call Peter Ong on 0419 721 046 or Kristin Perissinotto on 0448 633 858