Baird Government’s budget reeks of plan to privatise transport services

The Baird Government must rule out any future plans to privatise the state’s transport services, following revelations in today’s budget that the Government plans to ‘reform’ the delivery of transport services. 

Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW Secretary, Alex Claassens, said the inclusion of the Transport Asset Holding Entity in the budget should come as a major concern to commuters and workers.

“This reeks of yet another step towards the privatisation of our public transport services,” Mr Claassens said.

“The Baird Government must come clean with the NSW public about any future plans to privatise our public services. 

“The Government has made specific mention of transport work being contracted out to the private sector. It’s a serious concern that the Baird Government needs to urgently address.

NSW Secretary Alex Claassens speaks to the media

Mr Claassens said that while there is a significant amount of investment in transport facilities in the budget, which is very welcomed, the shortcomings around regional investment shouldn’t be ignored. 

“Of course we welcome any investment in improving our transport facilities, but regional NSW really deserves more. 

“There’s a lot of talk about the Sydney CBD but people in regional Australia deserve good public transport networks too.

“Replacing the outdated XPT and Xplorer trains was a key election commitment – but all that we’ve seen in this budget is a tiny commitment to a scoping study. 

“These trains are simply not up to standard and need to be urgently replaced.”