Resolution from “How we can stop Bligh’s sell off” public forum

The following resolution was passed unanimously by 50 community members – including members of various unions, pensioners, students and social justice activists - at a meeting at the TLC on Tuesday June 30.

Next Thursday July 9, 6:30pm
at the TLC building, 2nd floor, 16 Peel St.
All those opposed to Bligh's privatisation plans are welcome
Phone Paul Benedek 0410 629 088; Gary Howcroft 0438 176 890


Resolution

The State Government’s plans to sell off public assets including rail, ports, forests and roads will harm workers in those areas; and mean the community will pay higher prices for worse services. This is our experience with previous privatisations (eg Telstra & Queensland Electricity).

The Bligh Government never took privatisation to the election, and the community is overwhelmingly opposed [June 17-18 Galaxy Poll conducted for the Courier Mail found that 84% of people opposed the move.]. There is no mandate for privatisation.

With the market system in freefall, handing over more public assets to corporations is irrational. If such assets are sold today to “balance the budget”, what public assets will be sold off tomorrow?

Thus this meeting resolves that:

1. we oppose the Bligh State Government privatisation plan in its entirety. We do not support any aspect of the sell-off plan.
2. we support actions and events organized so far in defence of public assets. In particular, the Electrical Trades Union organized “Light on the Hill” tour through Queensland, culminating in the rally against privatisation this Friday, July 3, noon at Roma St Forum now also supported by the Queensland Council of Unions.
3. we form a community and union based “Save Our Public Assets” (SOPA)* campaign group, which is open to all those opposed to the State Government’s privatisation plan (community members, unionists, students, pensioners, political parties and their members, social justice groups, etc). SOPA activities could include organising anti-privatisation campaign stalls; collecting petitions; holding public forums; organising or supporting anti-privatisation rallies; supporting industrial action; speakouts at MP offices etc. SOPA would also support other anti-privatisation activities initiated by unions or others.
   

* This is just a provisional name, feel free to suggest an alternative

Moved: Paul Benedek Seconded: Gary Howcroft