Privatisation of Perth's water to be reversed

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Hundreds of outsourced jobs will be returned to public servants, according to Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan.

The decision to bring 256 Water Corporation employees back into the public sector was announced at the state Labor Convention on Saturday.

It followed a delivery and maintenance services review in Perth and Mandurah.

McGowan said making the government responsible for Perth’s water supply could save $2 million-$3 million a year.

“Twenty-five years ago, the Liberal government privatised the operations and maintenance services of Water Corporations water, wastewater and drainage networks,” he said.

“Water Corporation’s review identified that putting these services back in public hands would ensure consistent services are provided across the state.”

Water Corporation will work with Programmed Facilities Management to make the transition by March 2020.

McGowan also announced a plan to invest $12.9 million to improve workplace safety through new laws and appointments.

Worksafe will employ 24 full-time equivalent staff, including 21 inspectors, which will provide a ratio of one inspector to 10,000 employees.

Industrial manslaughter laws will be introduced to State Parliament by the end of the year, bringing penalties of up to 20 years in jail or fines of up to $20 million.

“Worker safety is one of our highest priorities and our laws should reflect that,” McGowan said. 

“Negligent or reckless employers must be held accountable for the conditions in their workplaces.

“Life is too precious not to set a high bar.”