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Long-term energy security is vital
19-June-08
Written by Peter Strachan

One disturbing aspect of Western Australia's gas supply crisis is the fragile nature of essential infrastructure once it is in private hands.

Efficient operation of transport, gas, water and power infrastructure is central to the economic wellbeing of our economy. Clearly, these assets deliver a wider benefit to the community than can be measured purely by the profit generated by the provider.

When 'propeller heads' from private equity step into 'buy' assets like Alinta or Qantas then inevitably, the business structure becomes more fragile as they are geared up while operational redundancy capability is pared to the bone.

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