The Greens support the Rail, Tram and Bus Union’s calls for the Liberal Government to abandon their ill-conceived privatisation plan of Metro Tasmania.
This morning on my bus commute into Hobart, the bus was jam-packed with commuters. Reinstating services, providing upgrades promised by Minister Abetz and showing some love for Metro should be a priority for the Rockliff Government, rather than flogging it off to the highest bidder.
Public transport is a fundamental service that Tasmanians expect the government to provide. The Liberals shouldn’t be selling off Tasmania’s public assets to paper over their budget issues.
Last week the Greens met with the Bus Union where concerns were raised about conditions, and ways of improving conditions were explored. This week, I have written to Transport Minister Abetz asking him how he can improve bus services and conditions for drivers.
In other jurisdictions like South Australia and Victoria, it is clear that privatising services only leads to worse outcomes and higher costs. Is this what Minister Abetz really wants for Tasmanians in a cost-of-living crisis?
The Greens understand the fundamental duty of government to provide cost-effective public transport for Tasmanians. The Liberals must rule out privatising Metro, and instead commit to the improvements necessary to ensure Tasmanians continue to benefit from this important service.
