Unions have responded to revelations of a secret cabinet document revealing a push within the NSW Transport Department for privatisation of Sydney ferries.
"This is a slap in the face for every Sydney Ferries worker and commuter," said Warren Smith, Sydney Branch Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia.
"The Department's declaration goes directly against the goodwill demonstrated by workers and unions who first and foremost want to be part of delivering world class ferry services to Sydneysiders.
"Despite pathetic push polling trumpeted by the Government the community simply does not accept that privatisation is the best solution.
"In fact the evidence from elsewhere clearly indicates that privatisation leads to poorer services, job losses, higher fares and compromised safety standards.
"The Maritime Union of Australia and Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union have been working with management and Government since the Walker Report was handed down to implement changes that will lead to better outcomes for workers and commuters.
"But privatisation is not the answer - Sydney Ferries are an iconic part of our city and they should remain in public hands, not be flogged off to private operators.
"It's time this government stopped looking at Sydney Ferries as a problem to be sold off, and started seeking out smarter ways of making the ferry system work for Sydneysiders.
"On the issue of fleet replacement the last thing we want to see is another Cross City Tunnel style fiasco where the public pays for the problems while private enterprise reaps the profits."
Acting State Secretary of the AMWU, Tim Ayres said, "The Walker Report into Sydney Ferries said the workers are highly skilled and doing a good job to keep the service functioning.
"There is simply no evidence that a privatised ferry service would deliver the very high standard of service that Sydney passengers deserve.
"In our view the Government should respect the overwhelming view of the public, keeping this iconic asset in public hands, but it should also invest strategically in the infrastructure, training and equipment it desperately needs to make the best use of the service."
Mr Smith warned that handing control of Sydney Ferries to private owners had been tried twice previously and twice the State Government had been forced to come in and rescue the service - in 1951 and 1974.
"Rather than trying to make a quick buck this Government should be focussed on better service delivery including the coordination of ferries with other transport services; strategies to market ferry services in off-peak times; better ticketing based on the UK Oyster Card; and recognition of the environmental benefits of ferry patronage."
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