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Category: Government and Politics / Electricity Energy and Utilities

West Australians will 'come on board' in utility sale: Nahan

Monday, 31 Oct 2016 14:17:53 | Andrew O'Connor

Mike Nahan believes West Australians can be convinced of the benefits of privatising Western Power. (ABC News: Mike Nahan)

West Australians will "reluctantly" embrace the privatisation of Western Power once they see the potential economic and employment benefits, according to WA Treasurer Mike Nahan.

The Barnett Government is just weeks away from deciding on whether to fully or partially sell the power utility.

The Liberals are in negotiations with the WA Nationals to finalise a common policy position to take to the election.

The Nationals state conference at the weekend passed two motions endorsing the sale of Western Power and other assets, provided the proceeds were spent on infrastructure.

While the Government wants to use the funds to pay down debt, Dr Nahan has been talking up the impact of the sale in stimulating the economy.

After clearing $8 billion in debt from Western Power, Dr Nahan has said there would be "billions" left over to fund future capital works.

But a weekend poll showed most voters were opposed to the sale.

Dr Nahan believes once the Government has finalised and explained its privatisation plans, the public will back it.

"I'm looking forward to the debate," he said.

"I think when the people of Western Australia hear the whole programs — specifically, a mechanism and a large fund to fund the future capital needs of the state for job growth and expansion of the state — they will reluctantly come on board."

Labor maintains sale is no solution

WA Labor leader Mark McGowan said the Government was peddling a "mish-mash of ideas" that would not solve the state's financial and economic problems.

"The idea that you're going to sell-off Western Power and suddenly that's the solution to everything is wrong," he said.

"All it will do is ensure service standards go down and revenue is lost to the state."

Mr McGowan said the Government was clutching at straws because of the state's "dire" financial situation.

Dr Nahan dismissed Labor's criticism as scaremongering.

"They are doing the same thing they did in Queensland four years ago. In New South Wales two years ago. They're scraping it out of Queensland and putting it in WA," he said.

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