Public debate on ferry ownership
A community campaign to maintain public ownership of Sydney Ferries has gathered steam as a State Government decision looms. Activists have highlighted the questionable track records of the two short-listed French companies, Veolia and Transdev, and acquired the support of local ALP members.
A Veolia subsidiary, Connex, was dumped and fined $11.2 million by the Victorian Government for poor rail services. Similarly, Yarra Trams – a Transdev joint venture – lost its government contract and was fined $1.84 million.
Maritime Union assistant secretary Paul Garrett said: “The test of any privatisation is whether it improves services to the public.”
Following the support of local mayors, the campaign has gathered political allies within government. ALP member for Drummoyne, Angela D’Amore, is against privatisation, and now Balmain MP and Education Minister, Verity Firth, has given her public preference.
Firth said: “I am hopeful the market testing process will show that the best option is continued public ownership of the ferries…Cost should not be the only factor examined. Public transport is a public social service.”
The support of ALP members may see a motion against privatisation at the upcoming ALP Conference.
A Department of Transport spokesperson said the government was not committed to privatisation.
Community activist Jack Mundey, who has spearheaded the campaign, said: “”We know what happens when large companies get their hands on important public assets. Prices rise, services drop and wages are slashed.”
*Jack Mundey will speak at a ‘Gotta Luv Sydney Ferries’ meeting at Balmain Town Hall at 3pm on Saturday, November 7.
– By Matt Khoury
