NSW Labor Hunter MPs welcome the agreement that secures the future of Tomago Aluminium and provides certainty to more than 1,000 local workers and their families, as well as 5,000 indirect jobs across the Hunter region.
The agreement between the Minns and the Albanese Labor Governments sees a joint investment of at least $2.5 billion towards the future of the smelter.
The joint investment will deliver a long-term renewable energy solution for the Tomago Aluminium smelter that supports commercially sustainable operations beyond 2028 and accelerates decarbonisation, supporting and securing the future of one of New South Wales' most important industrial assets.
As a result, Tomago Aluminium will continue operating beyond the expiry of its current electricity supply contract on 31 December 2028, providing certainty for workers, local businesses and the future of the Hunter region.
Importantly, the deal secures the 5,000 indirect jobs across the Hunter connected to the smelter's supply chain, ensuring a stronger and more resilient industrial future for New South Wales and Australia.
Tomago has been part of the Hunter's industrial backbone for more than four decades and NSW Labor Hunter MPs said this deal is a major win for workers, families and the region.
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:
"Hunter workers and their families deserve certainty, and we have delivered it.
"Securing Tomago means securing jobs, skills and the future of our region.
"We said these jobs are worth fighting for and today that fight has delivered.
"The Hunter builds things and it powers our state. We have the skills, the workers and the industrial muscle, and I am incredibly proud to be part of a government that is willing to back the Hunter and everything we have to offer."
Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington said:
"This is a massive investment in local families and our local economy.
"Tomago Aluminium is one of the largest employers in Port Stephens, and securing its future has been an absolute priority for me and the Minns Labor Government."
Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison said:
"Today's announcement gives Tomago workers, their families and the entire Hunter region a reason to feel confident about the future.
"We know how important these jobs are, not only for the Hunter, but for the entire state - which is why we were prepared to stand up and back them.
"The Minns Labor Government will always support the workers and industries that keep Maitland and the Hunter strong."
Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison said:
"This is such welcome news for Tomago workers and their families, but also for the industries in the Charlestown area and beyond who support the smelter's operations.
"This is yet another example of the Minns Labor Government supporting manufacturing jobs in the Hunter."
Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery said:
"I'm pleased to see the NSW Government and the Commonwealth Government collaborating to ensure the future of the thousands of jobs that Tomago brings to our region. I want to extend my thanks to the AWU, AMWU and ETU who have advocated strongly for their members."
Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:
"This is great news for Hunter workers and our local economy. I am proud to be a part of a Labor Government who puts workers first."
Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:
"Workers like those at Tomago are the backbone of the NSW economy and this investment ensures that thousands of good, blue-collar jobs will be protected in the Hunter.
"The Minns Labor Government will always back workers and back local industry.
"This is about keeping good, secure jobs here in the Hunter, supporting local businesses and making sure our region remains an industrial powerhouse for generations to come."
Duty MLC for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal said:
"Hunter families deserve the security of knowing these high-quality industrial jobs have a future.
"Our region stands with the workers at Tomago, and their families, and we are incredibly proud to see their future secured."
