More than a thousand workers at Australia's largest aluminium smelter near Newcastle will head into Christmas with certainty after it was confirmed Tomago Aluminium would continue to operate beyond the end of its current energy supply contract in 2028.
Hunter-based Nationals Senator, Ross Cadell, said the announcement was welcome news for the families of Tomago workers who were otherwise on the verge of becoming casualties to Labor's all renewables agenda. The company previously announced it was entering into consultation with its workforce about a potential closure in three years due to unsustainable power prices.
"For more than 40 years, Tomago has quietly powered our economy, employing locals, supporting hundreds of businesses and helping to keep the lights on across New South Wales," Senator Cadell said.
"Keeping Tomago open is critical to Australia's sovereignty and to the Hunter economy.
"This announcement will bring some level of comfort to the thousands of people who rely on Tomago including the hundreds of small family businesses that conduct work for the smelter.
"That being said, Tomago only finds itself in this position because of Australia's absurdly high price of power.
"Labor's pursuit of an all-renewables economy has decimated Australia's energy intensive industries and forced jobs offshore.
"Labor's solution to a self-induced end to local industry is more handouts disguised as industry incentives or presented on billboards under the Future Made in Australia brand.
"The Nationals' energy and climate plan is cheaper, better and fairer, whereas Labor's plan is unfair and puts everyday Australians last."
The cost of Labor's Tomago bail-out has not been disclosed.
