Unions against NSW 'poles and wires' sale SEVERAL unions have launched a campaign against the sale of the NSW 'poles and wires' power infrastructure, despite the state government repeatedly promising it won't be privatised. The Electrical Trades Union (ETU), United Services Union (USU), Public Service Association, Association of Professional Engineers and Scientists and Managers Australia will contribute to the $1.5 million campaign, which will argue poles and wires need to remain a public asset. ETU secretary Steve Butler says the unions have surveyed 1801 people across the state and the "overwhelming view" is that people don't want the government to sell off the infrastructure. The poles and wires assets deliver $3.5 billion back into state revenues. That revenue will disappear if the poles and wires are sold," he told reporters on Tuesday. Electricity assets were purchased by Chinese and Singaporean investors in Victoria and South Australia, driving up costs and paying profits to foreign shareholders that could otherwise be used for schools and hospitals, he added. USU general secretary Graeme Kelly challenged the NSW government to take the issue to the next state election. NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell earlier on Tuesday released a statement reiterating the government's election promise that it would not sell the poles and wires. The opposition has also called on the government to rule out any future sale of the electricity network. "Selling off the poles and wires would send energy bills soaring for families who are already struggling with the rising cost of living," Opposition Leader John Robertson said in a statement. Electricity bills have already risen by almost $600 in the two years since Mr O'Farrell came to office, and privatising electricity will only make things worse.