Labor stands for safe, secure, well-paid jobs.
The situation at Liberty Bell Bay is critical. It is not caused by Donald Trump's tariffs. The situation has been caused by the severe financial stress GFG is in here, nationally, and globally.
Securing new ore shipments has been challenging, but it has been abundantly clear for months that the local operation has limited working capital and its ability to secure finance is, at best, unclear.
Even if it can secure ore, there is no guarantee it can pay for it.
In February, the company's Whyalla operation was sensationally placed into administration by the South Australian Government which should have sent alarm bells ringing in the Tasmanian Government - but didn't.
I raised this with the Prime Minister in February and discussed the company's financial situation with Premier Malinauskas in March. I spent the best part of two Parliamentary weeks asking questions about this and related matters to the Premier and Minister Duigan.
I am extremely concerned that Bell Bay is heading in the same direction as Whyalla and the first and only response from Premier has been to point his finger towards Canberra - to ask someone else to fix it.
Yesterday I spoke to Federal Industry Minister Tim Ayres and briefed him on my discussions with Liberty Bell Bay and the concerns raised with me by the workforce. I have invited him to visit Tasmania when the company has provided all the information he requires.
Minister Ayres is correct to demand GFG open its books.
Today I will meet with Liberty Bell Bay workers and leadership. Myself and Shadow Energy Minister Janie Finlay have regularly met with company for months. I'll also meet with Mayor Keiser in George Town as well as the local chamber of commerce.
Make no mistake, the energy policies of the Rockliff Minority Government have made this situation worse. Jacking up transmission prices by 25% in two years has put incredible strain on Liberty Bell Bay and other major industrials at a time where two of them are under severe financial distress.
Dean Winter MP
Labor Leader
