PRIVATISATION

THE corporation takes priority over the community. The high cost of electricity is resulting in terrible financial pressure on average householders.

I sat on the board of South West Power when corporatisation of the electricity sector took place. At the time the cost of generation per KW Hr was less than $0.10, whereas now with privatisation the spot pricing on this god-like entity we call the market has reached $12.00 KW Hr. Not a recipe for cheap electricity.

Economic rationalism or neo liberalism theories developed post war and taught at universities were developed by industrialists and bankers to serve their interests.

Privatisation of all government sectors was one key intent, subsequently and successfully implemented.

It does not reduce prices on critical utilities, and that is now evident to all.

It’s about time an economic governance system was developed that makes the community the first priority, not the corporation.

I fear it’s just too late as this theory that doesn’t work was designed to stop governments interfering with business and we have the situation where corporations are now basically controlling governments.

Years ago, I remember my sevenyear-old relative saying to my son when a politician was promoting growth, If every government wants to keep growing, won’t we run out of things on the earth eventually?

Infinite resources are the first major flaw in this theory that doesn’t work, and why are our world leaders desensitised to the wisdom of a primary school student?

DOUG HARLAND, Toowoomba