The appointment of Sydney Water's new boss presents a long-overdue opportunity to reset workplace culture and rebuild confidence in the public utility, the Australian Services Union said.
Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary has been announced as the new Manager Director of Sydney Water, following the departure of former boss Roch Cheroux earlier this year.
Under Cheroux's tenure, Sydney Water has seen rampant outsourcing, repeated attacks on workers' rights, and a workplace culture pushed to the brink.
ASU NSW & ACT Secretary Angus McFarland welcomed Cleary's appointment.
"A new leader at Sydney Water provides a chance to reset priorities: improve workplace culture, treat workers fairly, end wasteful spending, and restore confidence in this essential publicly owned water utility," Mr McFarland said.
"Following years of toxic culture, low morale, and staff departures at Sydney Water, our union is optimistic Darren Cleary has what it takes to give workers the respect, remuneration and support that they deserve. Workers want and deserve Sydney Water to be an employer of choice that offers a safe workplace, fair pay and conditions, long-term career opportunities, and genuine skills development.
"We are hopeful that Darren Cleary will keep Sydney Water in public hands by ending the backdoor privatisation of jobs and expertise. That means rebuilding a skilled, stable, committed internal workforce, instead of relying on expensive, unreliable contractors.
"We are also hopeful that Darren Cleary will rebuild trust and confidence in Sydney Water by addressing issues around environmental protection, water quality and reliable water delivery.
"We welcome the appointment of Darren Cleary as Sydney Water's new Managing Director and look forward to a respectful, constructive relationship. Together we can rebuild Sydney Water so that it's fairer for workers and delivers better value for taxpayers."
