Liberals running out of excuses on Bell Bay Aluminium power agreement
The Liberals can’t expect Bell Bay Aluminium workers and their families to live through another year of uncertainty.
Last year’s one-year extension was not a solution. It was a delay tactic.
After 13 years in government, Tasmanians have every right to ask why a long-term agreement still isn’t in place for one of the state’s most important industrial employers.
More than 550 workers at Bell Bay Aluminium, along with over 1,200 direct jobs in the supply chain have all spent another year worrying about their future.
Those workers deserve better.
The people of George Town and Northern Tasmania have already endured the loss of Liberty Bell Bay. They cannot afford another blow to local jobs, local businesses and local confidence.
The Government must now guarantee it will secure a long-term, globally competitive power agreement for Bell Bay Aluminium.
Aluminium smelters around the world compete on energy. A long-term, affordable power deal is not optional. It is essential.
Bell Bay Aluminium has powered jobs, investment and economic activity in Northern Tasmania for generations.
If the Liberals believe Tasmania’s industrial future lies somewhere else, they should have had the courage to say so years ago instead of stringing workers and the community along. It’s cruel and weak.
It’s definitely not leadership.
After 13 years of Liberal government, Tasmania now has the highest unemployment rate in the nation.
This Government is risking good jobs and it seems like they don’t even care.
