Public servants protest at privatisation plans

About 1,000 public sector workers gathered at parliament house today to protest against the privatisation of government services.

The State Government has said public/private partnerships will play a major role in areas such as health and corrective services.

The Community and Public Sector Union says today's demonstration is protesting against the government's privatisation agenda.

The Premier Colin Barnett was heckled when he addressed the crowd.Concerns

There are concerns the privatisation of services at a new hospital in Albany will threaten up to 100 public sector jobs.

The State Government has sought interest from the private sector to provide both health services and equipment and facilities at the new $166 million health campus, due to be completed in 2012.

Greg Croston from the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union says jobs would go under a private system, particularly in maintenance and catering.

He says that will put pressure on all hospital staff.

"Generally private have less wages and worse conditions than that of the public sector so they're afraid a) that they'll have less wages, worse conditions, and b) that they may not even have positions."

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Thu 11th March 2010 - 04:37pm