The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has slammed the LNP State Government's reckless decision to rip $880 million in funding from Energy Queensland, a move that could see up to 150 supply industry workers made redundant across the state.
These cuts come at the worst possible time, with Queensland already enduring a brutal disaster season marked by cyclones, flooding and extreme heatwaves.
Queenslanders in the north are still dealing with the aftermath of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji and the widespread flooding that followed. At the same time, dangerous heatwaves in Southeast Queensland have placed unprecedented strain on an ageing electricity network, leaving more than 20,000 Queenslanders without power for days on end.
Let's not forget when Tropical Cyclone Alfred ripped through Southeast Queensland in March last year, every available resource was needed to get the power back on to Queensland homes. Cutting funding to the maintenance of the network is not just irresponsible, it puts public lives at risk while burning frontline workers.
ETU State Organiser Leonard Lane says, "How does the LNP Government explain to Queenslanders that it's cutting funding, at a time where the States resources are strained already during these events, that will now the stop the ability to have any back up resources. Tell me, how is this putting Queenslanders first?"
"This is pure ideology over common sense. They're not fixing the problem, there just kicking it down the road." He says.
ETU Assistant State Secretary Stuart Traill says, "Slashing funding from Energy Queensland and potentially axing 150 jobs is a direct attack on Queensland's disaster response capability, in a time where we need it the most."
"When disasters hit, it's Energy Queensland workers who work around the clock in dangerous conditions, who at times need to call on contractors when resources are overloaded, to keep the public safe and get the lights back on. These workers are unsung heroes in our communities and their getting thrown under the bus by this government."
"Queenslanders expect their government to strengthen essential services during a disaster crisis, not gut them. It's a disgrace." He says.
What this means is; the lights will be off for longer, there will be no backup plan to support our Energy Queensland frontline workers and communities will be left exposed when the next cyclone, flood or heatwave inevitably hits. This LNP Government is meant to be for Queenslanders not leave them in the dark.
