Chinese delegation flanked by Greg McLean on the right and Sue Page, MEU NSW Branch Energy Organiser on the left.

International delegation visit

Chinese electricity industry delegation meets with the ASU

Australia largest electricity industry union, the ASU, recently played host to visiting international Chinese delegation from the HUBAI Province to discuss issues of energy reform and the development of electricity markets and networks.

The delegation was specifically interested in the issues surrounding the development of the Australian electricity Market and its Network and being briefed on the history of the Australian electricity industry, the role of the ASU and the branches, including issues surrounding contestability, the national electricity market, the national electricity grid and its implications for other parts of Asia.

Discussion also occurred on the similarities between the Australian electricity market and that being developed for India, and possible implications for further expanding the network of the Chinese electricity industry.

Assistant National Secretary Greg McLean, who briefed the delegation on behalf of the ASU, said, "The visits by these international delegations to the ASU, is a further recognition of our continuing role as the largest union in the Australian electricity industry and the New South Wales electricity market/retail. Increasingly privatisation, the role of multinationals and competition are all issues that move across country borders. Simply keeping in contact with unions and the management of energy companies in other countries can be of substantial benefits to Australians not only today but also helping to establish Australian unions as credible industry energy forces for what ever comes in the decades ahead."