The disagregation and privatisation of the mining and power gene ration
operations of the former State Electricity Commission of Victoria has
being taking place over the past five years. This has transformed the
service provision to the new organisations and has resulted in major
change to the working lives and professional relationships of thousands of
Australians. The authors wish to take this opportunity to explore the
issues arising as the program of privatisation of public assets continues. Changes within the workplace which resulted from the outsourcing of
the 'investigation and design' functions and more lately as a result of
privatisation of the operating, generating and distribution businesses are
discussed. The responsibility of managers retaining the services of design
engineers has changed. There is an added responsibility of contract
administration and an increased focus on intellectual property and
strategic issues. The way in which the sectors are adapting is discussed and future
directions are explored. We welcome this opportunity to explore the changes in
professional life which have taken place over the last five years in
the Latrobe Valley Power industry. Engineers and earth scientists have a pivotal role in the
continuing successful operation of the three Latrobe Valley Mines
of the generation companies. The Mines' collectively excavate
annually over 13 million cubic metres of overburden and 48
million tonnes of coal for delivery to mine-mouth power stations
and for briquette manufacture.