13 June 2002

Alliance leader Laila Harré wants a mandate to strengthen the anti water privatisation provisions of the Government’s Local Government Ammendment Bill.

“Clause 129 of the Local Government Ammendment Bill allows for contracting out of the management of water services to the private sector. This is form of privatisation that the Alliance will move to take out of the legislation at the select committee,“ said Ms Harré.

“Alliance members and the general public strongly oppose privatisation of water services. They have made this clear to me and to other Members of Parliament.

“While the bill makes progress towards the Alliance position, the contracting out provision is a loophole that should be closed. This election gives us a chance to get a fresh mandate to oppose the direct and indirect privatisation of key infrastructure, “said Ms Harré.

The Local Government Ammedment Bill was before the House before the election was called and will be carried over to the next term of Parliament

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