PSA Media Release
24 April 2012

PSA Joins Chorus Of Opposition To Asset Sales

The PSA today became the latest organisation to add its voice to a swelling chorus of opposition to the government’s proposed asset sales.
“We wholeheartedly oppose the government’s plans to sell off large chunks of assets that have been built up by generations of New Zealanders, and turn them into companies generating profits for a small number of investors,” says PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff.

“Democratic control over these assets should not be weakened, as the government proposes. This is just another step in a plan – which includes more privatisation of essential services and further cuts to the public sector – to weaken the control that the public has over how this country is run.

“In particular, the asset sale proposals would make it harder for ministers to run power companies in the wider public interest, thus reducing future governments’ ability to get things done and create the kind of economy they want.

“The proposed asset sales could also remove the power companies from scrutiny through the Official Information Act and the Ombudsman – further weakening public control and democratic oversight.”

PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff today outlined the case against asset sales to Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee. The PSA is also strongly supporting the Greypower-organised petition for a referendum to stop the sale of the energy companies.

For more information on the PSA’s stance, go to: http://psa.org.nz/CampaignsAndIssues/KeepOurAssets.aspx

ENDS

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