New figures have revealed the deep opposition within the community to the privatisation of our electricity network – with residents in Victoria and South Australia overwhelmingly saying they are not happy with their privatised electricity networks.

New figures have revealed the deep opposition within the community to the privatisation of our electricity network – with residents in Victoria and South Australia overwhelmingly saying they are not happy with their privatised electricity networks.

The poll showed that over 65 per cent of Victorians believed they were worse-off with a privatised network – while over 70 per cent of South Australians reported an increase in financial stress following the privatisation of their electricity network.

Labor Candidate for Lane Cove – Andrew Zbik said Mike Baird and the Liberals needed to listen to the overwhelming message from the community who strongly oppose the privatisation of our electricity network.

“Mike Baird and the Liberals should listen to the Victorian and South Australian communities – as well as the message from Queensland – people do not want their electricity network flogged off,” Mr Zbik said.

“We know from the experience in other states that privatisation will lead to higher prices, cuts to services and put extra pressure on household budgets.

"Victorians and South Australians have voiced just how damaging power privatisation has been to their living standards.

“The Liberals need to stop putting profits over people and need to realise the impacts privatisation will have on families.

“Under the Liberals privatisation plans, the NSW budget will be almost a billion dollars short each year – meaning less money for essential services like our schools and hospitals.”

Under a Labor Government our electricity network will remain in public hands.

“Our electricity network provides us over $1.7 billion a year, which a Labor team will use to support schools, hospitals and new infrastructure,” Mr Zbik added.

“I will continue to stand up for the residents of Lane Cove and put our local families above the Liberals agenda of privatisation and cuts.”

Source: SMH 02/02/2015 by Sean Nicholls http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/poll-says-voters-feel-privatised-electricity-networks-leave-them-worse-off-20150201-1338s6.html