CYCLONE
SEROJA — WESTERN POWER — INDUSTRIAL ACTION
135. Mr R.S. LOVE to the Minister for Energy:
I refer to the recent strike action by Western Power
employees that threatened energy stability and the recovery efforts of midwest
and northern wheatbelt communities impacted by cyclone Seroja.
(1) Can the
minister confirm that 55 per cent of reconnection works in parts of the
midwest, such as Eradu and Wicherina, are still incomplete?
(2) Given that
it has now been six weeks since the tropical cyclone devastated these
communities, does the minister concede that any additional delays caused by
strike action will directly impact family livelihoods and safety and place them
in further jeopardy through inappropriate union action?
Mr W.J. JOHNSTON
replied:
(1)–(2)
No. I cannot confirm that figure. That is not correct. Over 90 per cent of
houses affected by cyclone Seroja have been reconnected.