South Australian plan great for energy security and jobs, but lessons of privatisation failures must be learnt
The union representing power workers has commended the South Australian Government’s $550 million
plan to improve energy security through the construction of the nation’s largest battery storage project, a
new 250MW gas-fired power plant, and increased powers for the Energy Minister.
John Adley, CEPU SA Secretary
The Communication Electrical and Plumbing Union praised Premier Jay Weatherill and Energy Minister
Tom Koutsantonis for their bold initiative to tackle the state’s energy issues, with a focus on renewables
and new technologies, saying it came in stark contrast to the complete lack of leadership coming from
the Federal Government.
CEPU state secretary John Adley said the union would be engaging further with the SA Government in
regards to a range of technical considerations with the plan, with a particular focus on the proposal to
contract out the operation of the new gas-fired power station to the private sector.
“At a time when members of the Federal Government think waving lumps of coal in parliament is a
response to the nation’s growing energy crisis, the South Australian Government deserves praise for
developing a genuine plan for the future,” Mr Adley said.
“The use of new battery technology to better utilise the state’s renewable energy resources is a
particularly important step for demonstrating how secure power for consumers can be provided as the
world moves towards a reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
“Constructing the infrastructure to solve these problems in South Australia is also a great outcome for
local workers, with hundreds of quality jobs to be created.”
Mr Adley said the union was still analysing the technical details of the plan, but had already identified
issues with the proposal to contract out the operation of the new gas-fired power station to the private
sector.
“The privatisation of electricity generation and distribution into the hands of profit-driven companies that
put their interests ahead of the public is the reason South Australia has ended up needing this plan,” he
said.
“We believe that if the SA Government wants to take greater control of the sector to provide energy
security for local consumers then they should not only look to build this infrastructure, but also operate it.
“Having direct control of the operation of the new gas-fired power plant and battery storage, rather than
relying on private operators, is a better outcome for the state as it ensures they will always be run in the
public interest and the government will have direct access to the knowledge set of this skilled workforce.
“After two decades of failed privatisations, it has become clear that essential services like electricity are
best provided for the common good, with construction, ownership and operation restored to public
hands.”
Media comment: John Adley — 0447 803 299
Further information: Lachlan Williams — 0447 682 027
