P.M. BRIEFING : Australian Privatization Backed
The governing Labor Party today approved sweeping policy changes that pave the way for competition in telecommunications and the sale of the two state airlines.
The issue of privatization had threatened to split the party, which officially had opposed any efforts to sell off government-owned enterprises.
The most divisive issue, particularly among unions, has been telecommunications. A number of foreign companies have expressed interest in entering the Australian communications market.
Delegates at a special party conference voted 58 to 43 to reject an amendment that would have prevented a private competitor being established in full network competition to a merger of domestic carrier Telecom and overseas carrier OTC.
Later in the day, the conference endorsed the government’s plan to sell up to 49% of Qantas and all of Australian Airlines.
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