The Tasmanian Government is calling out the Albanese Labor Government for its blatant double standards after revelations it has offered a bailout for the Tomago aluminium smelter in New South Wales, while continuing to ignore urgent calls to support Bell Bay Aluminium in Tasmania.
Minister for Industry, Felix Ellis, said the contrast in treatment is stark and unacceptable.
"The Federal Government is bending over backwards to support Tomago, reportedly considering a billion-dollar bailout, yet it won't lift a finger to help Bell Bay Aluminium, the only renewable-powered smelter in the country," Minister Ellis said.
"Tasmania has done the right thing. We've invested in renewable energy, we've backed our workers and we've fought to keep Bell Bay strong. But we cannot do it alone.
"Despite repeated requests, the Federal Industry Minister Tim Ayres has failed to confirm whether Bell Bay Aluminium will be eligible for support under its Green Aluminium Production Credit scheme, leaving hundreds of Tasmanian jobs hanging in the balance.
"The Federal Labor Government promised to back Australian manufacturing. Well, Bell Bay is Australian manufacturing at its best," Minister Ellis said.
"Our Liberal Government will keep fighting for Tasmanian jobs, our economy, and our manufacturing capability.
"It is time for the Federal Labor Government to deliver a Team Australia approach by playing its part in securing the future of the Bell Bay industrial precinct."
