Tens of billions of dollars’ worth of essential infrastructure projects have stalled, leaving NSW businesses, workers and communities to suffer due to the Minns Labor Government’s capitulation to the Electrical Trades Union (ETU).
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the Premier needs to explain why he won’t use the legal powers available under section 424 of the Fair Work Act to seek a halt to the ETU’s disruptive campaign.
“The former Coalition NSW government successfully used these laws to prevent a train strike in 2018, and the Albanese government used them in 2022 to stop Svitzer’s lockout of critical port workers. Why can’t Chris Minns and Sophie Cotsis do the same?”
“Under a Labor Government, the unions will always run the show. Chris Minns has the power to seek an end to this chaos and get NSW moving again, but instead he’s chosen to let the ETU call the shots,” Mr Speakman said.
Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Damien Tudehope, said the NSW Government has no regard for the economic damage being caused by their inaction.
“The ETU has been allowed to run riot, and it’s NSW that’s paying the price. Labor’s failure to stand up to the unions is costing us billions in stalled projects, thousands of jobs, and the livelihoods of countless businesses. This is what happens when unions are allowed to run the state,” Mr Tudehope said.
Shadow Minister for Roads Natalie Ward said the delays to the $1.7 billion M7-M12 Interchange, a project critical for Western Sydney’s growth, is testament to Chris Minns’ failure.
“The Albanese Government cut funding to the M7-M12 Interchange and now the ETU are using the project to cut into the future of Western Sydney roads. This is what happens when the government is more interested in pleasing unions than delivering for the people of NSW. Our roads are stuck in gridlock, just like this government,” Ms Ward said.
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said it is appalling the $940 million redevelopment of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital is on hold because of Labor’s weakness.
“The people of NSW are paying the price for Labor’s unhealthy relationship with the unions,” Ms Sloane said.
Chris Minns and Sophie Cotsis have allowed the ETU to bring NSW to its knees. It’s time they stepped up, invoked section 424 of the Fair Work Act, and put an end to this madness.
Projects affected –
● Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital Redevelopment – $940 million
● Snowy Hydro Gas Power Station – $950 million.
● M7-M12 Interchange – $1.7 billion
● Western Sydney Aerotropolis – Over $20 billion
● Deicorp Housing Developments
Affordable and essential housing projects in Sydney’s Inner-West, including 108 apartments, 176 apartments in Rothschild Roseberry, and 120 apartments in Zetland, remain unfinished, exacerbating the housing crisis.
● Goodman’s Oakdale Industrial Estate
A multimillion-dollar industrial project critical for supporting business operations and creating jobs is at a standstill due to the ETU’s disruption and the government’s inaction.
● Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre
● Telstra Mobile Blackspot Site in Western Sydney
Connectivity across Western Sydney is compromised as this project remains incomplete, leaving residents and businesses in the dark.
● Mater Hospital – North Sydney
● Wentworth Point Public School
● Cedar Pacific Kensington Trust (UniLodge Kensington)
● Karimbla Construction Services (Meriton Construction Arm) Developments – Various Locations
● Greenfields Housing Developments – 408 Lots
● Lendlease Housing Developments – 450 Lots
● Mirvac Warehouse Developments – Kemps Creek
● Goodman and Brickworks Warehouse – Oakdale East Industrial Estate
● Frasers Property The Yards – Multiple Lots.
● Charter Hall Light Horse Logistics Hub