Queensland Unions To Launch Anti-privatisation Tv Ad Campaign

Queensland Council of Unions
Working with Queensland unions who represent over 350,000 workers in
Queensland on industrial, political and social justice issues

Queensland unions to launch anti-privatisation TV ad campaign
Queensland unions will escalate their campaign against the government's sell-off of public assets with a television advertising campaign commencing in regional Queensland.

The ad will commence screening in Cairns and Rockhampton from 23 October.

QCU General Secretary Ron Monaghan said the ad highlights the need to keep public assets for future generations and not sell them off as a quick fix to address budget deficits.

"Queenslanders overwhelmingly agree with us that this decision is panicked and short- sighted. They agree that it's not in the best interests of Queenslanders to sell public assets.

"These assets are income-generating and should be kept in public hands for the benefit of future generations not sold off to private operators intent on making a profit at the expense of jobs and services," he said.

"It is clear from our public support that Queenslanders are dead against selling public assets. Politicians from both sides must understand that no government has the right to sell off our future."

The next stage of the campaign features an interactive website where people can sign up to support the campaign and send email messages to their local MP.

The website address is www.qldnotforsale.org.au.

Mr Monaghan said the campaign against privatisation had to continue given no conclusion had been reached following recent talks facilitated by former Reserve Bank Governor, Bernie Fraser.

"We've had some serious discussions with government during these meetings and both sides were given the opportunity to put their positions forward.

"I think we've all got a better understanding of where we stand however with no outcome arrived at, we need to continue our campaign.

"So many Queenslanders are against this decision and they need to know that we are still continuing the fight.

"With good news virtually every day on our improving economy and record coal export forecasts it torpedoes the Government's flimsy arguments about needing to sell these assets because of the Global Financial Crisis," he said.

The TV ad will be launched today (Monday 26 October) at 1:00pm at the QCU office, Level 5, TLC Building, 16 Peel St, South Brisbane. Copies of the ad will be available at the launch. You can also see the ad at www.qldnotforsale.org.au


CONTACT: TANIA REEVES 0418 700419


SOURCE: Queensland Council of Unions