Sydney Water out-sources brains

Three engineering experts are being dumped by Sydney Water as 
part of a process that could compromise the utility's ability to 
ensure the quality of water supplies, the Association of 
Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers (APESMA) warns. 
The engineers, in charge of purchasing some of Sydney's most 
important water assets, are being made forcibly redundant with 
their jobs expected to go to short-term contractors.

The APESMA took the case to the NSW Industrial Relations 
Commission over what it saw as a dangerous program of de-
engineering within State Government utilities.

Sydney Water agreed not to proceed with the termination of the 
workers, who have over 50 years experience between them, for at 
least a week.

APESMA NSW director Martin O'Connell said as Sydney grapples to 
ensure the quantity and quality of its long-term water supplies 
the dumping of expert full-time staff in favour of contractors 
was an irresponsible and short sighted move.

"Sydney Water's assets are meant to last 100 years but it is 
logical that if contractors with three-year terms are employed 
they will be more concerned with short term profits.

"While Sydney grapples to find a solution to its ever-dwindling 
water supplies it is crucial that any technology employed is 
appropriate for the task and of the highest possible quality.

"These tasks will never be done justice by short-term contractors 
that lack the experience and technical expertise to ensure the 
long-term viability of the state's most important assets."

The first of three asset managers was due to be dumped last 
Friday, with the next due to leave the following Friday.

Sydney Water has downsized its staff by more than two thirds over 
the past decade.