Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Farrell, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) public services in South Australia, this time the transport system, are under attack from privatisation, and

(ii) privatisation of essential services has an adverse effect on South Australians, with services becoming more expensive and less reliable – electricity prices increased when the Electricity Trust of South Australia was privatised in 1999, as well as bus fares increasing after privatisation in recent years; and

(b) calls on the South Australian Liberal Government to reconsider its move to privatise Adelaide Metro trains and trams.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

While the matter at hand is solely a state government responsibility, I would note that the South Australian Marshall Liberal government has been explicitly clear about the fact that their announcement about the future operation of their tram and train services is not privatisation; it's an outsourcing measure, and the state government will retain control of services, including setting fares. I would also note that, at present, all other jurisdictions outsource the provision of tram services. The Marshall government, like the Morrison government, is focused on delivering better infrastructure and services for all Australians.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

One Nation opposes the privatisation of taxpayers' assets. The motion here relates to the South Australian Liberal government. It is not the place of the Senate to discuss whether there should be privatisation in a state government. Therefore I will be abstaining from this vote.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Wong, are you seeking the call?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Obviously, the opposition is supporting the motion, but I did wonder if Senator Duniam might explain the difference between privatising and outsourcing!

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will put the motion.

Question agreed to.