Privatisation usually means cost cutting, that could be maintenance, workers rights and conditions, or simply quality of services.

Australia has been in the grip of a privatisation frenzy for 25 years. Two years (2009) during a massive drought a bushfire (the Kilmore East-Murrundindi “fire complex”) that wiped out 2 towns, killed nearly 150 people and destroyed thousands of homes (One of many fires on “Black Saturday” – feb 7 2009).

There were many fires that day but the one I’m referring to, the worst in terms of death and destruction was caused because a privatised electricity company hadn’t done the right thing wrt maintenance. Their powerlines failed in the heat due to poor maintenance and the sparks started the fire.

Thats just one example of the potential dangers of privatisation, and its an extreme one sure, but it happened.

Privatisation makes it harder to regulate an industry and that may make for more profits but it also means costs are cut left right and center. Thats without the corruption etc etc interfering.

Right now the G8 are meeting and pushing to “support” this so called “Arab Spring”. That means they will be pushing privatisation on you wherever possible.

If you go that route just make sure you do iton your own terms and take the time to assess the decision properly.