The Australian Greens have called on Labor to save Australia's largest aluminium smelter from closure with a public ownership stake, and underwrite a clean energy build out to give them cheap reliable power, following news that the smelter may close jeopardising jobs for 1,000 workers.
As stated by Greens spokesperson for Transition & Regional Development, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:
"The Albanese government should take a public stake in Tomago Aluminium, and make sure the Australian people get a return on their money.
"In addition to taking a public stake, Labor must underwrite the cost of a clean energy build out to power the smelter to support the green transition.
"This is an opportunity to both put workers first and accelerate the transition out of fossil fuels, not just deliver another Glencore-style corporate bailout that offers no public benefit.
"We can't keep doling out public cash to billionaires and big corporations without expecting a return.
"Australia will be a world leader in green aluminium; the job of the government is to support workers and be a bridge from existing infrastructure.
"Australian smelter workers deserve job security, not yet more uncertainty as another facility faces closure."
