Around 300 jobs are disappearing with the creation of new power entity Energy Queensland, with the new chair reportedly refusing to say how many of these job losses are voluntary redundancies.
Acting Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said these reports were disturbing considering the Palaszczuk Government promised there would be no forced redundancies as a result of the merger of Ergon and Energex.
“We’ve always known the merger was going to result in job losses, but workers were given the rock-solid commitment there would be no forced redundancies and no forced relocations,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“That’s why it’s concerning to hear radio reports that new Energy Queensland chair Phil Garling won’t clarify how many job losses were voluntary redundancies.
“If workers have been forced to walk away from their jobs as a result of the merger it’s yet another broken promise from the Labor Government and it is imperative the Treasurer and the Energy Minister step up and explain what’s happening.”
Shadow Energy Minister Michael Hart said regional communities were concerned local workers might have to relocate as jobs are consolidated.
“The government has previously said as many as 366 jobs will go in areas like administration, legal and corporate services,” Mr Hart said.
“We’ve always feared the job losses would be much higher, and that some workers would have to leave their communities as a result of these changes.
“Mum and dad electrical contractors are also worried because they’re now going to have to compete against a $24 billion government monolith for work.
“This is a huge overhaul of Queensland’s electricity industry and the many people caught up in this change deserve answers from the Labor Government.”
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