❓ Hon. Kate Doust questions the Minister for Energy about Western Power and Synergy's pay agreement negotiations, union concerns, and potential industrial action. The Minister defends the corporations' actions, citing efficiency measures and fair offers.
AnsweredQoN 663Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
WESTERN POWER AND SYNERGY — PAY AGREEMENT
I refer to Synergy and Western Power’s plan to bring their workers under a non-union collective agreement. (1) Does the minister support the actions of Western Power and Synergy in their opposition to their workers’ campaign for better pay? (2) Does the minister support Western Power in using the last days of the Howard government’s unfair WorkChoices law to settle the dispute? (3) Has the minister taken steps to ensure that no worker has been bullied or harassed into accepting the agreement? (4) What steps has the minister taken to ensure reliability of power supply to Western Australian homes and businesses during any industrial action taken by Western Power employees? Hon PETER COLLIER
I refer to Synergy and Western Power’s plan to bring their workers under a non-union collective agreement. (1) Does the minister support the actions of Western Power and Synergy in their opposition to their workers’ campaign for better pay? (2) Does the minister support Western Power in using the last days of the Howard government’s unfair WorkChoices law to settle the dispute? (3) Has the minister taken steps to ensure that no worker has been bullied or harassed into accepting the agreement? (4) What steps has the minister taken to ensure reliability of power supply to Western Australian homes and businesses during any industrial action taken by Western Power employees? Hon PETER COLLIER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(4) At the outset, I will say that Western Power and Synergy are statutory corporations as a result of the disaggregation process that was implemented by the previous government. It is interesting and ironic that the very union that is now at odds with both Synergy and Western Power, the Australian Services Union, is screaming from the rafters that it bemoans the whole disaggregation process. The union did not want Western Power to be disaggregated, and it feels that the current situation is a result of disaggregation. The ASU represents around 700 workers of the 2 000 workers in Western Power. I am aware of the current negotiations between the ASU and both Synergy and Western Power. As statutory corporations, both are looking for efficiency measures. As far as I am concerned, unless there were a clear and identifiable situation in which Western Power and Synergy were working against the better interests of the workers, there is no necessity for me as Minister for Energy to step in. It is ludicrous to suggest otherwise, when the corporations are asked to work in a competitive environment and to look for efficiencies and at the same time ensure that their workers are looked after. I am aware of the offers that have been put to the workers, and I think they are fair and reasonable. All that is happening on this occasion is that Synergy and Western Power are asking the workers directly. I do not think any more than that can be asked for or expected. To this point, I am unaware of anything that Western Power and Synergy have done other than negotiate in good faith over months and months. In both instances, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, the other union associated with both corporations, has made an agreement with the corporations. At this stage, after what I have seen, I have no intention of getting further involved. I am aware of the offer that has been made to workers and, as I said, I think it is a fair and reasonable offer. I have no problems with Western Power or Synergy asking the workers directly—that is only fair and reasonable. I understand that a limited stop-work meeting will take place on Thursday. The advice I have received at this stage is that it will not affect reliability, but I will continue to be informed by Western Power about electricity reliability until negotiations reach an amicable conclusion for both parties.
(1) Does the minister support the actions of Western Power and Synergy in their opposition to their workers’ campaign for better pay? (2) Does the minister support Western Power in using the last days of the Howard government’s unfair WorkChoices law to settle the dispute? (3) Has the minister taken steps to ensure that no worker has been bullied or harassed into accepting the agreement? (4) What steps has the minister taken to ensure reliability of power supply to Western Australian homes and businesses during any industrial action taken by Western Power employees? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(4) At the outset, I will say that Western Power and Synergy are statutory corporations as a result of the disaggregation process that was implemented by the previous government. It is interesting and ironic that the very union that is now at odds with both Synergy and Western Power, the Australian Services Union, is screaming from the rafters that it bemoans the whole disaggregation process. The union did not want Western Power to be disaggregated, and it feels that the current situation is a result of disaggregation. The ASU represents around 700 workers of the 2 000 workers in Western Power. I am aware of the current negotiations between the ASU and both Synergy and Western Power. As statutory corporations, both are looking for efficiency measures. As far as I am concerned, unless there were a clear and identifiable situation in which Western Power and Synergy were working against the better interests of the workers, there is no necessity for me as Minister for Energy to step in. It is ludicrous to suggest otherwise, when the corporations are asked to work in a competitive environment and to look for efficiencies and at the same time ensure that their workers are looked after. I am aware of the offers that have been put to the workers, and I think they are fair and reasonable. All that is happening on this occasion is that Synergy and Western Power are asking the workers directly. I do not think any more than that can be asked for or expected. To this point, I am unaware of anything that Western Power and Synergy have done other than negotiate in good faith over months and months. In both instances, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, the other union associated with both corporations, has made an agreement with the corporations. At this stage, after what I have seen, I have no intention of getting further involved. I am aware of the offer that has been made to workers and, as I said, I think it is a fair and reasonable offer. I have no problems with Western Power or Synergy asking the workers directly—that is only fair and reasonable. I understand that a limited stop-work meeting will take place on Thursday. The advice I have received at this stage is that it will not affect reliability, but I will continue to be informed by Western Power about electricity reliability until negotiations reach an amicable conclusion for both parties.
(2) Does the minister support Western Power in using the last days of the Howard government’s unfair WorkChoices law to settle the dispute? (3) Has the minister taken steps to ensure that no worker has been bullied or harassed into accepting the agreement? (4) What steps has the minister taken to ensure reliability of power supply to Western Australian homes and businesses during any industrial action taken by Western Power employees? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(4) At the outset, I will say that Western Power and Synergy are statutory corporations as a result of the disaggregation process that was implemented by the previous government. It is interesting and ironic that the very union that is now at odds with both Synergy and Western Power, the Australian Services Union, is screaming from the rafters that it bemoans the whole disaggregation process. The union did not want Western Power to be disaggregated, and it feels that the current situation is a result of disaggregation. The ASU represents around 700 workers of the 2 000 workers in Western Power. I am aware of the current negotiations between the ASU and both Synergy and Western Power. As statutory corporations, both are looking for efficiency measures. As far as I am concerned, unless there were a clear and identifiable situation in which Western Power and Synergy were working against the better interests of the workers, there is no necessity for me as Minister for Energy to step in. It is ludicrous to suggest otherwise, when the corporations are asked to work in a competitive environment and to look for efficiencies and at the same time ensure that their workers are looked after. I am aware of the offers that have been put to the workers, and I think they are fair and reasonable. All that is happening on this occasion is that Synergy and Western Power are asking the workers directly. I do not think any more than that can be asked for or expected. To this point, I am unaware of anything that Western Power and Synergy have done other than negotiate in good faith over months and months. In both instances, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, the other union associated with both corporations, has made an agreement with the corporations. At this stage, after what I have seen, I have no intention of getting further involved. I am aware of the offer that has been made to workers and, as I said, I think it is a fair and reasonable offer. I have no problems with Western Power or Synergy asking the workers directly—that is only fair and reasonable. I understand that a limited stop-work meeting will take place on Thursday. The advice I have received at this stage is that it will not affect reliability, but I will continue to be informed by Western Power about electricity reliability until negotiations reach an amicable conclusion for both parties.
(3) Has the minister taken steps to ensure that no worker has been bullied or harassed into accepting the agreement? (4) What steps has the minister taken to ensure reliability of power supply to Western Australian homes and businesses during any industrial action taken by Western Power employees? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(4) At the outset, I will say that Western Power and Synergy are statutory corporations as a result of the disaggregation process that was implemented by the previous government. It is interesting and ironic that the very union that is now at odds with both Synergy and Western Power, the Australian Services Union, is screaming from the rafters that it bemoans the whole disaggregation process. The union did not want Western Power to be disaggregated, and it feels that the current situation is a result of disaggregation. The ASU represents around 700 workers of the 2 000 workers in Western Power. I am aware of the current negotiations between the ASU and both Synergy and Western Power. As statutory corporations, both are looking for efficiency measures. As far as I am concerned, unless there were a clear and identifiable situation in which Western Power and Synergy were working against the better interests of the workers, there is no necessity for me as Minister for Energy to step in. It is ludicrous to suggest otherwise, when the corporations are asked to work in a competitive environment and to look for efficiencies and at the same time ensure that their workers are looked after. I am aware of the offers that have been put to the workers, and I think they are fair and reasonable. All that is happening on this occasion is that Synergy and Western Power are asking the workers directly. I do not think any more than that can be asked for or expected. To this point, I am unaware of anything that Western Power and Synergy have done other than negotiate in good faith over months and months. In both instances, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, the other union associated with both corporations, has made an agreement with the corporations. At this stage, after what I have seen, I have no intention of getting further involved. I am aware of the offer that has been made to workers and, as I said, I think it is a fair and reasonable offer. I have no problems with Western Power or Synergy asking the workers directly—that is only fair and reasonable. I understand that a limited stop-work meeting will take place on Thursday. The advice I have received at this stage is that it will not affect reliability, but I will continue to be informed by Western Power about electricity reliability until negotiations reach an amicable conclusion for both parties.
(4) What steps has the minister taken to ensure reliability of power supply to Western Australian homes and businesses during any industrial action taken by Western Power employees? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(4) At the outset, I will say that Western Power and Synergy are statutory corporations as a result of the disaggregation process that was implemented by the previous government. It is interesting and ironic that the very union that is now at odds with both Synergy and Western Power, the Australian Services Union, is screaming from the rafters that it bemoans the whole disaggregation process. The union did not want Western Power to be disaggregated, and it feels that the current situation is a result of disaggregation. The ASU represents around 700 workers of the 2 000 workers in Western Power. I am aware of the current negotiations between the ASU and both Synergy and Western Power. As statutory corporations, both are looking for efficiency measures. As far as I am concerned, unless there were a clear and identifiable situation in which Western Power and Synergy were working against the better interests of the workers, there is no necessity for me as Minister for Energy to step in. It is ludicrous to suggest otherwise, when the corporations are asked to work in a competitive environment and to look for efficiencies and at the same time ensure that their workers are looked after. I am aware of the offers that have been put to the workers, and I think they are fair and reasonable. All that is happening on this occasion is that Synergy and Western Power are asking the workers directly. I do not think any more than that can be asked for or expected. To this point, I am unaware of anything that Western Power and Synergy have done other than negotiate in good faith over months and months. In both instances, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, the other union associated with both corporations, has made an agreement with the corporations. At this stage, after what I have seen, I have no intention of getting further involved. I am aware of the offer that has been made to workers and, as I said, I think it is a fair and reasonable offer. I have no problems with Western Power or Synergy asking the workers directly—that is only fair and reasonable. I understand that a limited stop-work meeting will take place on Thursday. The advice I have received at this stage is that it will not affect reliability, but I will continue to be informed by Western Power about electricity reliability until negotiations reach an amicable conclusion for both parties.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(4) At the outset, I will say that Western Power and Synergy are statutory corporations as a result of the disaggregation process that was implemented by the previous government. It is interesting and ironic that the very union that is now at odds with both Synergy and Western Power, the Australian Services Union, is screaming from the rafters that it bemoans the whole disaggregation process. The union did not want Western Power to be disaggregated, and it feels that the current situation is a result of disaggregation. The ASU represents around 700 workers of the 2 000 workers in Western Power. I am aware of the current negotiations between the ASU and both Synergy and Western Power. As statutory corporations, both are looking for efficiency measures. As far as I am concerned, unless there were a clear and identifiable situation in which Western Power and Synergy were working against the better interests of the workers, there is no necessity for me as Minister for Energy to step in. It is ludicrous to suggest otherwise, when the corporations are asked to work in a competitive environment and to look for efficiencies and at the same time ensure that their workers are looked after. I am aware of the offers that have been put to the workers, and I think they are fair and reasonable. All that is happening on this occasion is that Synergy and Western Power are asking the workers directly. I do not think any more than that can be asked for or expected. To this point, I am unaware of anything that Western Power and Synergy have done other than negotiate in good faith over months and months. In both instances, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, the other union associated with both corporations, has made an agreement with the corporations. At this stage, after what I have seen, I have no intention of getting further involved. I am aware of the offer that has been made to workers and, as I said, I think it is a fair and reasonable offer. I have no problems with Western Power or Synergy asking the workers directly—that is only fair and reasonable. I understand that a limited stop-work meeting will take place on Thursday. The advice I have received at this stage is that it will not affect reliability, but I will continue to be informed by Western Power about electricity reliability until negotiations reach an amicable conclusion for both parties.
I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(4) At the outset, I will say that Western Power and Synergy are statutory corporations as a result of the disaggregation process that was implemented by the previous government. It is interesting and ironic that the very union that is now at odds with both Synergy and Western Power, the Australian Services Union, is screaming from the rafters that it bemoans the whole disaggregation process. The union did not want Western Power to be disaggregated, and it feels that the current situation is a result of disaggregation. The ASU represents around 700 workers of the 2 000 workers in Western Power. I am aware of the current negotiations between the ASU and both Synergy and Western Power. As statutory corporations, both are looking for efficiency measures. As far as I am concerned, unless there were a clear and identifiable situation in which Western Power and Synergy were working against the better interests of the workers, there is no necessity for me as Minister for Energy to step in. It is ludicrous to suggest otherwise, when the corporations are asked to work in a competitive environment and to look for efficiencies and at the same time ensure that their workers are looked after. I am aware of the offers that have been put to the workers, and I think they are fair and reasonable. All that is happening on this occasion is that Synergy and Western Power are asking the workers directly. I do not think any more than that can be asked for or expected. To this point, I am unaware of anything that Western Power and Synergy have done other than negotiate in good faith over months and months. In both instances, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, the other union associated with both corporations, has made an agreement with the corporations. At this stage, after what I have seen, I have no intention of getting further involved. I am aware of the offer that has been made to workers and, as I said, I think it is a fair and reasonable offer. I have no problems with Western Power or Synergy asking the workers directly—that is only fair and reasonable. I understand that a limited stop-work meeting will take place on Thursday. The advice I have received at this stage is that it will not affect reliability, but I will continue to be informed by Western Power about electricity reliability until negotiations reach an amicable conclusion for both parties.
(1)-(4) At the outset, I will say that Western Power and Synergy are statutory corporations as a result of the disaggregation process that was implemented by the previous government. It is interesting and ironic that the very union that is now at odds with both Synergy and Western Power, the Australian Services Union, is screaming from the rafters that it bemoans the whole disaggregation process. The union did not want Western Power to be disaggregated, and it feels that the current situation is a result of disaggregation. The ASU represents around 700 workers of the 2 000 workers in Western Power. I am aware of the current negotiations between the ASU and both Synergy and Western Power. As statutory corporations, both are looking for efficiency measures. As far as I am concerned, unless there were a clear and identifiable situation in which Western Power and Synergy were working against the better interests of the workers, there is no necessity for me as Minister for Energy to step in. It is ludicrous to suggest otherwise, when the corporations are asked to work in a competitive environment and to look for efficiencies and at the same time ensure that their workers are looked after. I am aware of the offers that have been put to the workers, and I think they are fair and reasonable. All that is happening on this occasion is that Synergy and Western Power are asking the workers directly. I do not think any more than that can be asked for or expected. To this point, I am unaware of anything that Western Power and Synergy have done other than negotiate in good faith over months and months. In both instances, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, the other union associated with both corporations, has made an agreement with the corporations. At this stage, after what I have seen, I have no intention of getting further involved. I am aware of the offer that has been made to workers and, as I said, I think it is a fair and reasonable offer. I have no problems with Western Power or Synergy asking the workers directly—that is only fair and reasonable. I understand that a limited stop-work meeting will take place on Thursday. The advice I have received at this stage is that it will not affect reliability, but I will continue to be informed by Western Power about electricity reliability until negotiations reach an amicable conclusion for both parties.
At this stage, after what I have seen, I have no intention of getting further involved. I am aware of the offer that has been made to workers and, as I said, I think it is a fair and reasonable offer. I have no problems with Western Power or Synergy asking the workers directly—that is only fair and reasonable. I understand that a limited stop-work meeting will take place on Thursday. The advice I have received at this stage is that it will not affect reliability, but I will continue to be informed by Western Power about electricity reliability until negotiations reach an amicable conclusion for both parties.
(1) Does the minister support the actions of Western Power and Synergy in their opposition to their workers’ campaign for better pay? (2) Does the minister support Western Power in using the last days of the Howard government’s unfair WorkChoices law to settle the dispute? (3) Has the minister taken steps to ensure that no worker has been bullied or harassed into accepting the agreement? (4) What steps has the minister taken to ensure reliability of power supply to Western Australian homes and businesses during any industrial action taken by Western Power employees? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(4) At the outset, I will say that Western Power and Synergy are statutory corporations as a result of the disaggregation process that was implemented by the previous government. It is interesting and ironic that the very union that is now at odds with both Synergy and Western Power, the Australian Services Union, is screaming from the rafters that it bemoans the whole disaggregation process. The union did not want Western Power to be disaggregated, and it feels that the current situation is a result of disaggregation. The ASU represents around 700 workers of the 2 000 workers in Western Power. I am aware of the current negotiations between the ASU and both Synergy and Western Power. As statutory corporations, both are looking for efficiency measures. As far as I am concerned, unless there were a clear and identifiable situation in which Western Power and Synergy were working against the better interests of the workers, there is no necessity for me as Minister for Energy to step in. It is ludicrous to suggest otherwise, when the corporations are asked to work in a competitive environment and to look for efficiencies and at the same time ensure that their workers are looked after. I am aware of the offers that have been put to the workers, and I think they are fair and reasonable. All that is happening on this occasion is that Synergy and Western Power are asking the workers directly. I do not think any more than that can be asked for or expected. To this point, I am unaware of anything that Western Power and Synergy have done other than negotiate in good faith over months and months. In both instances, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, the other union associated with both corporations, has made an agreement with the corporations. At this stage, after what I have seen, I have no intention of getting further involved. I am aware of the offer that has been made to workers and, as I said, I think it is a fair and reasonable offer. I have no problems with Western Power or Synergy asking the workers directly—that is only fair and reasonable. I understand that a limited stop-work meeting will take place on Thursday. The advice I have received at this stage is that it will not affect reliability, but I will continue to be informed by Western Power about electricity reliability until negotiations reach an amicable conclusion for both parties.
(2) Does the minister support Western Power in using the last days of the Howard government’s unfair WorkChoices law to settle the dispute? (3) Has the minister taken steps to ensure that no worker has been bullied or harassed into accepting the agreement? (4) What steps has the minister taken to ensure reliability of power supply to Western Australian homes and businesses during any industrial action taken by Western Power employees? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(4) At the outset, I will say that Western Power and Synergy are statutory corporations as a result of the disaggregation process that was implemented by the previous government. It is interesting and ironic that the very union that is now at odds with both Synergy and Western Power, the Australian Services Union, is screaming from the rafters that it bemoans the whole disaggregation process. The union did not want Western Power to be disaggregated, and it feels that the current situation is a result of disaggregation. The ASU represents around 700 workers of the 2 000 workers in Western Power. I am aware of the current negotiations between the ASU and both Synergy and Western Power. As statutory corporations, both are looking for efficiency measures. As far as I am concerned, unless there were a clear and identifiable situation in which Western Power and Synergy were working against the better interests of the workers, there is no necessity for me as Minister for Energy to step in. It is ludicrous to suggest otherwise, when the corporations are asked to work in a competitive environment and to look for efficiencies and at the same time ensure that their workers are looked after. I am aware of the offers that have been put to the workers, and I think they are fair and reasonable. All that is happening on this occasion is that Synergy and Western Power are asking the workers directly. I do not think any more than that can be asked for or expected. To this point, I am unaware of anything that Western Power and Synergy have done other than negotiate in good faith over months and months. In both instances, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, the other union associated with both corporations, has made an agreement with the corporations. At this stage, after what I have seen, I have no intention of getting further involved. I am aware of the offer that has been made to workers and, as I said, I think it is a fair and reasonable offer. I have no problems with Western Power or Synergy asking the workers directly—that is only fair and reasonable. I understand that a limited stop-work meeting will take place on Thursday. The advice I have received at this stage is that it will not affect reliability, but I will continue to be informed by Western Power about electricity reliability until negotiations reach an amicable conclusion for both parties.
(3) Has the minister taken steps to ensure that no worker has been bullied or harassed into accepting the agreement? (4) What steps has the minister taken to ensure reliability of power supply to Western Australian homes and businesses during any industrial action taken by Western Power employees? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(4) At the outset, I will say that Western Power and Synergy are statutory corporations as a result of the disaggregation process that was implemented by the previous government. It is interesting and ironic that the very union that is now at odds with both Synergy and Western Power, the Australian Services Union, is screaming from the rafters that it bemoans the whole disaggregation process. The union did not want Western Power to be disaggregated, and it feels that the current situation is a result of disaggregation. The ASU represents around 700 workers of the 2 000 workers in Western Power. I am aware of the current negotiations between the ASU and both Synergy and Western Power. As statutory corporations, both are looking for efficiency measures. As far as I am concerned, unless there were a clear and identifiable situation in which Western Power and Synergy were working against the better interests of the workers, there is no necessity for me as Minister for Energy to step in. It is ludicrous to suggest otherwise, when the corporations are asked to work in a competitive environment and to look for efficiencies and at the same time ensure that their workers are looked after. I am aware of the offers that have been put to the workers, and I think they are fair and reasonable. All that is happening on this occasion is that Synergy and Western Power are asking the workers directly. I do not think any more than that can be asked for or expected. To this point, I am unaware of anything that Western Power and Synergy have done other than negotiate in good faith over months and months. In both instances, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, the other union associated with both corporations, has made an agreement with the corporations. At this stage, after what I have seen, I have no intention of getting further involved. I am aware of the offer that has been made to workers and, as I said, I think it is a fair and reasonable offer. I have no problems with Western Power or Synergy asking the workers directly—that is only fair and reasonable. I understand that a limited stop-work meeting will take place on Thursday. The advice I have received at this stage is that it will not affect reliability, but I will continue to be informed by Western Power about electricity reliability until negotiations reach an amicable conclusion for both parties.
(4) What steps has the minister taken to ensure reliability of power supply to Western Australian homes and businesses during any industrial action taken by Western Power employees? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(4) At the outset, I will say that Western Power and Synergy are statutory corporations as a result of the disaggregation process that was implemented by the previous government. It is interesting and ironic that the very union that is now at odds with both Synergy and Western Power, the Australian Services Union, is screaming from the rafters that it bemoans the whole disaggregation process. The union did not want Western Power to be disaggregated, and it feels that the current situation is a result of disaggregation. The ASU represents around 700 workers of the 2 000 workers in Western Power. I am aware of the current negotiations between the ASU and both Synergy and Western Power. As statutory corporations, both are looking for efficiency measures. As far as I am concerned, unless there were a clear and identifiable situation in which Western Power and Synergy were working against the better interests of the workers, there is no necessity for me as Minister for Energy to step in. It is ludicrous to suggest otherwise, when the corporations are asked to work in a competitive environment and to look for efficiencies and at the same time ensure that their workers are looked after. I am aware of the offers that have been put to the workers, and I think they are fair and reasonable. All that is happening on this occasion is that Synergy and Western Power are asking the workers directly. I do not think any more than that can be asked for or expected. To this point, I am unaware of anything that Western Power and Synergy have done other than negotiate in good faith over months and months. In both instances, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, the other union associated with both corporations, has made an agreement with the corporations. At this stage, after what I have seen, I have no intention of getting further involved. I am aware of the offer that has been made to workers and, as I said, I think it is a fair and reasonable offer. I have no problems with Western Power or Synergy asking the workers directly—that is only fair and reasonable. I understand that a limited stop-work meeting will take place on Thursday. The advice I have received at this stage is that it will not affect reliability, but I will continue to be informed by Western Power about electricity reliability until negotiations reach an amicable conclusion for both parties.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(4) At the outset, I will say that Western Power and Synergy are statutory corporations as a result of the disaggregation process that was implemented by the previous government. It is interesting and ironic that the very union that is now at odds with both Synergy and Western Power, the Australian Services Union, is screaming from the rafters that it bemoans the whole disaggregation process. The union did not want Western Power to be disaggregated, and it feels that the current situation is a result of disaggregation. The ASU represents around 700 workers of the 2 000 workers in Western Power. I am aware of the current negotiations between the ASU and both Synergy and Western Power. As statutory corporations, both are looking for efficiency measures. As far as I am concerned, unless there were a clear and identifiable situation in which Western Power and Synergy were working against the better interests of the workers, there is no necessity for me as Minister for Energy to step in. It is ludicrous to suggest otherwise, when the corporations are asked to work in a competitive environment and to look for efficiencies and at the same time ensure that their workers are looked after. I am aware of the offers that have been put to the workers, and I think they are fair and reasonable. All that is happening on this occasion is that Synergy and Western Power are asking the workers directly. I do not think any more than that can be asked for or expected. To this point, I am unaware of anything that Western Power and Synergy have done other than negotiate in good faith over months and months. In both instances, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, the other union associated with both corporations, has made an agreement with the corporations. At this stage, after what I have seen, I have no intention of getting further involved. I am aware of the offer that has been made to workers and, as I said, I think it is a fair and reasonable offer. I have no problems with Western Power or Synergy asking the workers directly—that is only fair and reasonable. I understand that a limited stop-work meeting will take place on Thursday. The advice I have received at this stage is that it will not affect reliability, but I will continue to be informed by Western Power about electricity reliability until negotiations reach an amicable conclusion for both parties.
I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)-(4) At the outset, I will say that Western Power and Synergy are statutory corporations as a result of the disaggregation process that was implemented by the previous government. It is interesting and ironic that the very union that is now at odds with both Synergy and Western Power, the Australian Services Union, is screaming from the rafters that it bemoans the whole disaggregation process. The union did not want Western Power to be disaggregated, and it feels that the current situation is a result of disaggregation. The ASU represents around 700 workers of the 2 000 workers in Western Power. I am aware of the current negotiations between the ASU and both Synergy and Western Power. As statutory corporations, both are looking for efficiency measures. As far as I am concerned, unless there were a clear and identifiable situation in which Western Power and Synergy were working against the better interests of the workers, there is no necessity for me as Minister for Energy to step in. It is ludicrous to suggest otherwise, when the corporations are asked to work in a competitive environment and to look for efficiencies and at the same time ensure that their workers are looked after. I am aware of the offers that have been put to the workers, and I think they are fair and reasonable. All that is happening on this occasion is that Synergy and Western Power are asking the workers directly. I do not think any more than that can be asked for or expected. To this point, I am unaware of anything that Western Power and Synergy have done other than negotiate in good faith over months and months. In both instances, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, the other union associated with both corporations, has made an agreement with the corporations. At this stage, after what I have seen, I have no intention of getting further involved. I am aware of the offer that has been made to workers and, as I said, I think it is a fair and reasonable offer. I have no problems with Western Power or Synergy asking the workers directly—that is only fair and reasonable. I understand that a limited stop-work meeting will take place on Thursday. The advice I have received at this stage is that it will not affect reliability, but I will continue to be informed by Western Power about electricity reliability until negotiations reach an amicable conclusion for both parties.
(1)-(4) At the outset, I will say that Western Power and Synergy are statutory corporations as a result of the disaggregation process that was implemented by the previous government. It is interesting and ironic that the very union that is now at odds with both Synergy and Western Power, the Australian Services Union, is screaming from the rafters that it bemoans the whole disaggregation process. The union did not want Western Power to be disaggregated, and it feels that the current situation is a result of disaggregation. The ASU represents around 700 workers of the 2 000 workers in Western Power. I am aware of the current negotiations between the ASU and both Synergy and Western Power. As statutory corporations, both are looking for efficiency measures. As far as I am concerned, unless there were a clear and identifiable situation in which Western Power and Synergy were working against the better interests of the workers, there is no necessity for me as Minister for Energy to step in. It is ludicrous to suggest otherwise, when the corporations are asked to work in a competitive environment and to look for efficiencies and at the same time ensure that their workers are looked after. I am aware of the offers that have been put to the workers, and I think they are fair and reasonable. All that is happening on this occasion is that Synergy and Western Power are asking the workers directly. I do not think any more than that can be asked for or expected. To this point, I am unaware of anything that Western Power and Synergy have done other than negotiate in good faith over months and months. In both instances, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, the other union associated with both corporations, has made an agreement with the corporations. At this stage, after what I have seen, I have no intention of getting further involved. I am aware of the offer that has been made to workers and, as I said, I think it is a fair and reasonable offer. I have no problems with Western Power or Synergy asking the workers directly—that is only fair and reasonable. I understand that a limited stop-work meeting will take place on Thursday. The advice I have received at this stage is that it will not affect reliability, but I will continue to be informed by Western Power about electricity reliability until negotiations reach an amicable conclusion for both parties.
At this stage, after what I have seen, I have no intention of getting further involved. I am aware of the offer that has been made to workers and, as I said, I think it is a fair and reasonable offer. I have no problems with Western Power or Synergy asking the workers directly—that is only fair and reasonable. I understand that a limited stop-work meeting will take place on Thursday. The advice I have received at this stage is that it will not affect reliability, but I will continue to be informed by Western Power about electricity reliability until negotiations reach an amicable conclusion for both parties.
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