TasNetworks’ recently exposed move to tender for a single contractor for its transmission and distribution network raises concerns about privatisation, local job losses and transparency. The Minister for Energy needs declare his level of knowledge of this plan, and to intervene to ensure the GBE presses pause on the tender process, openly explains these plans, and consults with key stakeholders.
There are clearly some issues with TasNetworks’ fragmented approach to contracting out its work, but we’re concerned about the direction they now seem to be taking. This looks like privatisation by stealth, with more and more services outsourced and potential job losses as a result.
The secretive approach that’s been taken by TasNetworks on this issue is a problem in itself. It’s just not good enough to have a situation where key stakeholders have not been properly consulted about such a major change.
There are so many questions raised by this decision. Will it mean more TasNetworks services are outsourced? Will it result in job losses? What will it mean for publicly owned assets? What impact will it have on Tasmanian businesses?
The Liberals are clearly pushing a privatisation agenda with GBEs, and we’re worried TasNetworks is taking a step in that direction. We believe work that’s already been outsourced should be brought back into the public sector, not the other way around.
Meanwhile, with a review of GBEs now confirmed, having TasNetworks take this significant and presumably long-term approach to establish a joint venture and contract work to a sole entity pre-empts the review and what it might find.
This is a significant decision, and clearly there hasn’t been proper consultation. The least the government can do right now is to pause the tender process, fully explain their plans, and listen to the views of key stakeholders in this space.
