It is unclear how Murray Bridge-based road workers will be affected by a state government decision to outsource highway maintenance from 2021.
On April 11, Treasurer Rob Lucas announced a tender would be issued for upkeep of 23,000 kilometres of roads managed by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI).
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He projected that handing the work over to the private sector would save taxpayers up to $9 million per year.
But he promised "everyone who currently has a job with the department, and wants a job when these contracts start, will have a job", and said any contractors would need to sub-contract to local businesses and employ apprentices and trainees.
Labor MP Clare Scriven said the Liberal Party should have told South Australians about the plan before the last state election.
"There is no guarantee that a South Australian company ... will carry out this maintenance," she said.
She questioned what would happen to DPTI's fleet of road maintenance machinery.
In a statement, DPTI said it was consulting staff and their unions, who would have input into the changes; and that it was committed to working with those employees throughout the process.
Peri Strathearn
Alter ego of uke player Barney Rebel. E-cyclist, Leafs fan, Uniting churchgoer, consumer of baked goods, dad of two girls.
Alter ego of uke player Barney Rebel. E-cyclist, Leafs fan, Uniting churchgoer, consumer of baked goods, dad of two girls.
