PRIVATISATION WILL WIPE OUT JOBS AND FARE CUTS

Media Release

Shadow Transport Minister, Jackie Trad, says LNP plans for the privatisation of public transport services if re-elected threaten any benefit commuters gain from fare cuts.

“The tricky Newman Government has announced fare cuts only from November and for 2015, just to get it past the state election,” Ms Trad said.

“If the LNP regains office its privatisation plans will kick in and change the face of our existing public transport system through job cuts, service cuts, and fare hikes."

“While commuters will welcome lower fares for the limited period the government has outlined, they need to know what happens after that."

“In particular commuters need to know how much fares will rise if public transport services are privatised."

“Bus services including those of the Brisbane City Council are already being subjected to ‘contestability’ — the LNP code word for privatisation."

“In other areas existing service contractors are fearful of losing work and laying of staff as large multinational firms win tenders by undercutting on price, but then lifting fares and cutting jobs and services."

“In April last year the Newman Government accepted recommendations from its pro-privatisation friend and Liberal Party life member Peter Costello to open up services on the city rail network to ‘contestability’.

“This will have huge implications not only for rail fares but for passenger safety and reliability of services."

“Once again Queenslanders need to know the LNP will privatise and sell assets, Labor won’t."

“The LNP fails to mention that under the Newman Government public transport patronage has been plummeting with 1.5 million fewer trips being taken this year compared with the last patronage figures under Labor."

“It also fails to acknowledge the contribution of its previous massive public transport service cuts."

“Scott Emerson’s botched bus timetable review last year led to 30 routes in the Translink region being abolished."

“In addition more than 50 routes had their service frequency or hours of operation cut,” Ms Trad said.