The Save Our Ports Coordinating Committee today resolved that there would be no demonstrations to confront the Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations Michael Baird (pictured) when he attends the Illawarra Business Person of the Year Awards in Wollongong tomorrow.
In a statement, the Committee says: “We know many people in the business community who oppose the privatisation of Port Kembla, and out of respect for them, we are not organising a demonstration at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre for the Treasurer's visit.”
“Many business people are helping us with our petition against the privatization. The Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce has been particularly supportive.”
The Committee has asked Mr Baird to meet with a delegation so that the concerns of the community would be listened to.
The Committee has written to the Treasurer, stating: "We know that opposition to the privatisation is deeply felt and widely shared. At the Friday market in Crown St, we were collecting more than one signature each minute for our petition opposing the privatisation of the Port. At the Saturday market at Warrawong, we collected more than two signatures per minute. People were queuing to sign.”
The Committee is hoping for a big turnout at the public meeting in Wollongong Town Hall on Wednesday 7 November at 6.30pm when the Minister for the Illawarra and Minister for Finance Greg Pearce MLC will speak about the privatisation of the Port along with Secretary of the South Coast Labour Council, Arthur Rorris.
ABC journalist Nick McLaren will be MC for and mediator of the debate.
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