Ryan Park visit shows solidarity with Union
On a visit to the Hunter, NSW Shadow Minister for Transport Ryan Park restated Labor’s opposition to the privatisation of Newcastle Buses, its ferries, and proposed light rail network.
“There was no mention by the Government of its privatisation plans during the election,” Mr Park said.
“Instead of being upfront, the Government kept its plans from the community before admitting that managing an integrated transport system was too hard.
“Their plans really mean they can’t run public transport efficiently themselves and instead have to go to a privatisation model that will be focused on profits not passengers.”
Mr Park is on board with the concerns of drivers, and gave his commitment to the Union and the members that he will take this issue to the Minister.
Divisional Secretary Chris Preston and Assistant Branch Secretary Dave Woollams welcomed the commitment from Mr Park and the show of solidarity from local MPs Tim Crakanthorp, Newcastle, and Jenny Aitchison, Maitland.
“We all need to work together to stop the privatisation from going ahead,” Mr Preston said.
“To have the local Members of Parliament standing with the Union is a powerful message that we not let this government get away with selling out Newcastle.
“The Union met with the Minister and made our position clear to him, and with Tim, Jenny, and Ryan maintaining pressure in Parliament, we can win this fight.”