Tasmanian Government gives up on Liberty Bell Bay
Despite a new deal being in reaching distance, the Tasmanian Government has clearly given up on the workers set to lose their jobs at Liberty Bell Bay.
The Federal Government has indicated it is prepared to go back to the negotiating table if the State does.
The Premier has been nowhere to be seen across this issue for the last year.
Now, at the smelter’s critical hour, the absence of leadership from Jeremy Rockliff or his Energy Minister is plain to see.
Minister Duigan created the energy challenge in the first place, overseeing the power deal that was signed under duress and has since become the sticking point for a sale deal being finalised.
The lack of any strategic energy policy for the state has led to this point, with the potential domino effect putting our entire industrial capabilities at risk, undermining our state’s economy and pushing power prices up.
Labor feels for the workers, contractors and broader supply chain, and we trust that they’ve been spending time with each other and having each other’s backs because no doubt it’s been one the toughest weekends they’ve ever experienced.
It’s not too late for the Rockliff Government to come to the table and negotiate a deal, but unfortunately, it’s clear the Liberals have given up.
