March 27, 2013
Queenslanders – including LNP voters – oppose proposals to sell off State assets, a poll released today by the Services Union shows.
The union has been campaigning against the findings of the Commission of Audit report by Peter Costello which reportedly has recommended that Queensland’s publicly owned energy assets – including Stanwell, Ergon Energy and Powerlink – be sold off to help restore the State’s AAA credit rating.
Services Union Secretary Ms Kath Nelson said a recent telephone poll survey found that 70 per cent of people approached opposed the sale of State assets to repay debt and on the specific issue of energy privatisation, 70 per cent believed power prices would increase if energy assets were sold.
Ms Nelson said the results sent a clear message to the State Government.
“Queenslanders don’t want privatisation. It’s as simple as that,” she said.
“These results show that a vast majority are steadfastly against privatisation of essential services like power, transport, health and education. Even the LNP’s own voters are against privatisation.
“People clearly are not being swayed by Peter Costello’s audit report findings. The only question is whether or not the government has any respect for their wishes.
“People know that privatisation is not in their interests and does not deliver better services and power prices are a perfect example of what to expect. The evidence from other States shows clearly that prices will increase after privatisation.”
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ReachTEL conducted a survey of 1215 Queensland residents on the night of March 19:
This survey was conducted using an automated telephone-based survey system among 1215 voters. Telephone numbers and the person within the household were selected at random. The results have been weighted by gender and age to reflect the population according to ABS figures. Due to rounding, not all tables necessarily total 100 per cent and sub-totals may also vary.
