TREASURER TRUNS UP TO FACE ALP MEMBERS BUT REJECTED BY OWN PARTY

25 March 2011

South Australian unions say the Treasurer Jack Snelling has failed to explain his government's attack on the working conditions of South Australians.

SA Unions President, Jamie Newlyn says the Treasurer was called to a Special ALP State Council meeting last night to explain why his government has not yet repealed the legislation which ripped away the entitlements of South Australian public sector workers.

"At last year's State Convention, party members voted unanimously to direct the government to reverse their budget measures which attacked working South Australians."

"Last night, the Treasurer was called to account and failed to convince his own Party members with his explanation."

"His report was rejected by an overwhelming majority."

"While we recognise he had the guts to turn up, his explanation failed to address the deep concerns of his own party members, worried that this attack on workers' rights and conditions could spread to working South Australians in the private sector."

"In fact, the Treasurer indicated this year's budget would be no better, which indicates that there might be more pain to come."

"South Australian working people should be worried that there will be more cuts to services and jobs in the Budget."

Mr Newlyn said that not only is the ALP facing a continued SA Unions campaign, but it is also facing growing pressure from within.

"SA Unions have vowed to continue campaigning until the government actually starts listening to the community and reverses its Budget cuts."