Transport union says Adelaide tram and train privatisation could be reversed, as the bus reforms were

Adelaide trains and trams are scheduled to be run by a private company from next year. But opponents say if the bus reforms were dropped, so too can the privatisation.

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Opponents of the privatisation of tram and train services have taken heart from the State Government’s spectacular abandonment last week of its plan to rejig the bus network, and believe public pressure could see the operation return to public hands.

A small crowd gathered at Adelaide Railway Station on Sunday to protest the operation of the tram network being moved into private hands.

Adelaide trains will also be run by a private company from next year.

However, Rail, Tram and Bus Union branch secretary Darren Phillips said “collective power” could drive change.

“The public previously thought it would only take an election to make change but if people get out there and protest and make their voices heard we can see changes to bad decisions,’’ he said. Transport Minister Stephan Knoll has said privatisation would be more efficient and allow for reinvestment.

Branch secretary Darren Phillips, Natasha Brown and Nev Kitchin from the Public Service Association at the North Tce tram stop in front of the train station. Picture: Emma Brasier

The union leader said there had already been job cuts due to the transition and was concerned there would be more to come.

“At the end of the day a private company has to make a profit and they will make a profit,’’ he said.

Mr Knoll said tram drivers had given a “massive vote of confidence’’ to the privatisation when 92 per cent had voted in favour of new enterprise bargaining conditions.

However, Mr Phillips said if the government had been proud of the new arrangement it would be “cutting a ribbon’’ to mark the moment, “which begs the question are they ashamed of what they have done’’.

Public Service Association general secretary Nev Kitchin said the Labor Party also had to be clearer with its plans.

“They need to come out and state there will be no further privatisation should they come to power,’’ he said.

Opposition transport spokesman Tom Koutsantonis said Labor was committed to undoing the rail and tram privatisation and would hold an inquiry if it won the next election to investigate how it should be done.