Mike Baird To Sell Newcastle's Light Rail, Bus and Ferry Services
Photo: Newcastle on Hunter
In Late 2015, it was revealed that The State Liberal Government, led by Premier Mike Baird, plans to sell off Newcastle's light rail, government buses, and Stockton ferry to a single operator. The plan to privatise Newcastle's public services is part of a continued agenda of "sell, sell, sell," stemming from the current State Liberal Government. This private monopoly will gain profit at the expense of the people of Newcastle.
The struggle to keep transport in the public domain has been one that has been occurring nationwide. The Melbourne trams and trains system was also privatised with disastrous results in the late 1990's. Now, the entire State of NSW is under attack. By February 2016, it became known that The Baird Government was also considering selling off Sydney's public transport system.
Photo: SMH
Greens NSW MP and Transport spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi outlined her thoughts on The State Liberal's Government's plans to privatise Newcastle's public transport services.
"The Baird government’s privatisation formula is quite simple: first, run down the public transport system, and then flog it off. Betray the community, and then kick them in the gut," said Faruqi.
Above: Hunter Workers Secretary, Daniel Wallace speaks at Civic Park Rally. Left stands Liberal Premier, Mike Baird.
A number of protests have occurred in The Hunter Region since The Baird Government announced its' sell off scheme. On the 1st December 2015, hundreds of Union protestors gathered in Newcastle Civic Park in an attempt to stop the privatisation.
Our own Secretary of Hunter Workers, Daniel Wallace, addressed the crowd. Premier Baird also spoke at the rally. Protestors were adamant that they did not want their services sold off and chanted phrases such as, "New South Wales, Not for Sale!"
Later in December 2015, thousands of Newcastle and Hunter residents gathered in Newcastle Civic Park displaying their outrage concerning the privatisation scheme. These community protestors made it clear that they wanted these services kept in the hands of the public.
Photo: The Newcastle Herald
STOP THE SELL OFF
The Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) are petitioning The Speaker of The House and Members of the NSW Legislative Assembly, seeking the NSW Government reverse their decision to privatise Newcastle’s Public Transport Services. The entire NSW region, and all of Australia, must stand together to ensure that no public transport system -- Newcastle or Sydney -- is to be privatised by The NSW State Government.
We encourage everyone to support The Campaign to save Newcastle's public transport services. If you have friends located anywhere in Australia, please encourage them to add their signatures to The Petition.
Spread the word, by posting this link: www.ourtransport.org.au
** CLICK TO SIGN THE PETITION **
