A newspaper report this morning that Queensland Treasurer Tim Nicholls believes asset sales, including electricity infrastructure, may be recommended in the Costello Committee of Audit report has angered the Electrical Trades Union.
Mr Nicholls told the Australian Financial Review that Queensland needed to “have a mature debate” on asset sales but said no privatisations would occur without a mandate at the next State election.
This fact was also emphasised by Under Treasurer Helen Gluer at her breakfast meeting in Kingaroy last week.
However, ETU Secretary Peter Simpson said the Nicholls interview – and a follow-up on ABC Radio later this morning – confirmed that State-owned power generators CS and Stanwell would be “first on the chopping block”.
Mr Simpson called for the immediate release of the Costello Commission of Audit Report.
“The government is saying one thing and planning another,” he said.
“During a Channel 7 interview just two days ago the Premier said he was opposed to asset sales and today his Treasurer reveals he is planning just that.
“We call on the LNP to release the report and come clean with the Queensland public.”
