Thursday, August 02, 2007

Sydney Ferries: union opposes privatisation

Scenes of Sydney Harbour, Sydney landmarks and the ferry fleet at work.

An inquiry in Sydney is hearing from a range of speakers who are discussing privatisation models for the city's ferry service.

The inquiry is being chaired by Bret Walker SC, who was asked by the New South Wales Government to look at ways of improving the reliability and efficiency of Sydney Ferries.

Among the options being discussed are a complete privatisation of the service, the tendering out of certain operations and also the prospect of the government entering into partnerships with the private sector.

The National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia, Paddy Crumlin, has told the meeting that the privatisation of the service is a bad idea, and will lead to a doubling of fares and will lower safety standards.

The MUA view has been backed by the lobby group, Action for Public Transport.

Options for keeping the service in public hands are also being discussed.

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