Western Power buys flash 4WD
Western Power splashed out more than $100,000 on a luxury European vehicle for its fleet despite widespread budget cuts across the State Government.
The State-owned electricity distributor this week confirmed it bought a Volkswagen Touareg R-line, the most expensive four-wheel-drive model produced by the German car giant.
The revelation drew outrage from unions and the Opposition, who said there was no credible explanation for Western Power needing such an upmarket vehicle.
Although Western Power declined to reveal how much the 4WD cost, industry experts estimated its "drive away" price after taxes and charges would be about $125,000.
Volkswagen's official list of "features and specifications" for the vehicle says it has a 4.2L V8 diesel engine and can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds - a time comparable to modern sports cars.
Western Power did not say why it bought the 4WD or whether it had told - or sought approval from - the Government before the purchase.
Western Power said it maintained an operational fleet of "more than 1800 vehicles that are used by employees to service over one million electricity customers in Western Australia".
It also said more than half its fleet was valued at more than $50,000 a vehicle and more than 500 vehicles were valued at more than $80,000 - "the vast majority of which are 4WDs".
Energy Minister Mike Nahan declined to comment. Shadow energy minister Bill Johnston, who likened the car to an "executive limousine", said Western Power should never have bought it and Dr Nahan needed to "resolve the issue straight away".
Electrical Trades Union State secretary Les McLaughlan said there was no justifiable reason why the utility would need such a vehicle. "Western Power money should be used to provide the best service to the general population and not to have luxury cars or fancy fit-outs of offices," he said.
