11 May 2023
The Greens have renewed their push for the State Government to establish a commission of inquiry into reviving ETSA at a public forum held last night in Adelaide.
Greens MLC Robert Simms hosted the forum and was joined by Jason Lailey of the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU), Professor Al Rainnie of UniSA Business School, and South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS) Policy Officer Malwina Wyra to discuss returning power to public hands to curb soaring energy prices.
“Privatisation has failed South Australians and led to skyrocketing prices. A commission of inquiry could examine how to re-establish ETSA as a publicly owned statutory authority that could operate for the benefit of consumers, not shareholders. With so many South Australians struggling with the rising cost of living, it’s vital the Government acts now”, said Mr Simms.
“While an increased energy concession from State and Federal Governments is of course welcome, this one-off payment made to private energy providers on behalf of the consumer won’t fix the systemic problems with our energy network. We need energy back in public hands to serve the community interest.”