As the state is set to sell its Queensland Rail, Premier Anna Bligh confronted a heated demonstration of rail workers who showed concerned about their jobs after this decision is implemented.
On Sunday, the premiers came across a “loud, agitated crowd” of more than 100 Queensland Rail employees and unionists. She had come to attend a community cabinet meeting at Emu Park, near Rockhampton.
It is known that Government wants to sell Queensland Rail's coal and freight arms in order to lessen the debt levels and at the same time, continuing with ownership of passenger services.
In the demonstration, the participants recited the "Queensland Rail not for sale" slogan opposing the asset sales that have been sketched by the government. As Bligh crossed the crowd, the demonstrators shouted and abused the decision.
Earlier, it was declared that Queensland Rail was considering 120 new learners as it plans a major recruitment drive.
According to Ms. Bligh, the recruitment drive surpasses the usual annual intakes and that this indicated the capacity of Rail Company.
It was then informed by Bligh that the “sustained demand” for coal from Asia was clearly showing that business will defiantly grow in coming years.
Addressing the reporters in Yeppoon, she added that Queensland Rail is committed to enhance their business and that if this was not the case, the Company would not have taken 120 new apprentices.
She further elaborated that the business meant that there will be need of having “more train drivers and more people to service its trains” because of “more coal on the lines."