Qld state election: Toowoomba North Trevor Watts offers to meet with Electrical Trades Union over threat of asset sales

Toowoomba MP Trevor Watts has pledged to meet with one of the state’s most powerful unions ahead of next month’s election over the threat of energy asset sales. Read the ETU’s response here:

One of the state’s most powerful unions has rebuked Toowoomba MP Trevor Watts’ offer to meet with members over the perceived threat of public asset sales under a future Liberal National government, with one organiser calling on him to “pick up the phone”.

In a move to avoid campaigning against the conservatives at the upcoming state election, Mr Watts this week announced he wanted to meet with the Electrical Trades Union and other labour organisations to assure them the LNP had no plans to sell assets.

The ETU has started gearing up its Not 4 Sale campaign, urging voters to put the LNP last on October 26.

In a statement, Mr Watts said he supported Opposition Leader David Crisafulli’s “unequivocal” stance that Queensland’s energy infrastructure would remain in public hands.

“The misinformation being spread does a disservice to Queenslanders,” he said.

Mr Trevor Watts Member for Toowoomba North. Picture David Clark

“I am more than willing to meet with those who are concerned to set the record straight and ensure that the truth is heard loud and clear.

“The LNP has consistently supported the public ownership of Queensland’s state-owned assets, including our essential energy infrastructure.”

Mr Watts denied he was seeking endorsement or approval from the ETU, which is aligned with the ALP on a state and federal level.

In response, Toowoomba organiser Damian Hewat said the union remained sceptical of Mr Watts’ overtures, arguing the party had a “shocking track record” on the handling of public assets.

“The ETU will continue to campaign and call out the LNP on their lack of detail when it comes to a plan for Queensland’s energy future,” he said in a statement.

“The Ergon, Energex, Powerlink and CS Energy workers along with all Queenslanders deserve certainty for Queensland’s energy future, something that the ETU will continue to campaign for and the LNP cannot guarantee.

“When the government tabled legislation to enshrine the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and Energy Workers Charter, how did the LNP vote? They voted against it.

“Where was your unwavering support then Trevor?

“The previous Newman Government planned on leasing Queensland energy assets, which would ensure we lost ownership of them forever.”

Electrical Trades Union organiser Damian Hewat speaking at the Toowoomba Labour Day march and flag raising. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mr Hewat said he was not opposed to meeting with Mr Watts, noting he hadn’t received a phone call from him.

“He can try and invite us, but I don’t believe he represents members,” he said.

“I’ve had second-hand information that he would contact me and I’m still waiting for him to pick up the phone.

“Until then, we won’t consider the option.”

Mr Watts said he hadn’t called Mr Hewat because he didn’t have his phone number, reiterating his offer was still on the table.

“I’m more than happy to sit down with them,” he said.

“I don’t need approval but I’d like to tell them their fears of assets being sold are unfounded.”

Already the longest-serving MP in the 52-year history of Toowoomba North, Mr Watts is seeking a fifth term that would extend his political career to an impressive 16 years.

Labor has yet to announce its candidate for what was once a genuine swing seat, having gone with the winning government at all but one election (1998) between 1974 and 2012.

It has become progressively safe for the LNP since then, with Mr Watts earning nearly half of all first preferences in 2020.

It is understood both One Nation and the Greens will also be running candidates.

Originally published as Qld state election: Toowoomba North Trevor Watts offers to meet with Electrical Trades Union over threat of asset sales