COPY AND PASTE THIS TEXT BELOW: THEN CLICK ON THE LINK ON LEFT TO EMAIL THE PREMIER ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hon. Nathan Rees MP Premier GPO Box 5341 Sydney NSW 2001 RE: Potential Privatisation of Sydney Ferries Dear Minister I wish to express my strong opposition to the potential privatisation of Sydney Ferries announced in November 2008 as part of the mini budget. The Ferry Service is an integral part of the Public Transport System and should remain in Public Hands. A private operator seeks profit which means that fares could increase and services could be cut. The Government would be subsidising a private operator with profit potentially disappearing overseas, at the expense of the NSW taxpayer. Many commuters rely on Ferry services as a principle means of transport to and from the City, reducing traffic on already congested roads. If Ferries are privatised, many of the commuters could be forced back onto the roads. The Government should be promoting the use of Public Transport rather than diminishing it. Together with Health and Education, Transport is a basic right and not a privilege. I respectfully urge you to overturn the decision to consider privatisation of the Ferries as an option. The Ferries should be properly funded so that they can operate efficiently and effectively for the benefit of all. Yours sincerely, (Your Name)