Tasmanian Labor has joined workers at the Liberty Bell Bay smelter and the local community to deliver an unmistakable message: governments must act now to save Australia's only manganese smelter.
In a powerful show of solidarity, a resolution calling for urgent support has now passed unanimously at the Tasmanian Labor Conference, the Bell Bay worksite, a packed community forum at George Town Memorial Hall, and again at a public rally in Regent Square.
The resolution reads:
"We are calling on the Tasmanian and Federal Governments for urgent support to save the only manganese smelter in our nation. Workers, Tasmania and the country are better off if Bell Bay stays."
Workers and their unions say unified backing between workers, elected representatives and the community underscores just how critical the facility is - not just for more than 200 direct jobs, but for Tasmania's industrial future and Australia's sovereign capability.
This groundswell of support comes as recent reports highlight the precarious state of the smelter, with its administrators warning time is rapidly running out to secure a buyer and keep the plant operational.
A petition launched last Thursday has already attracted more than 2,500 signatures, including over 1,000 from within the federal electorate of Bass alone: a clear sign of the local stakes as the region heads toward a Tasmanian upper house election on May 2.
Chris Donovan, Assistant National Secretary of the Australian Workers' Union (AWU), speaking on behalf of Bell Bay Joint Unions - the AWU, Mining and Energy Union (MEU), Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) and Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) - said the message could not be clearer.
"Everywhere this question has been put - on the job, at conference, and in the heart of the community - the answer has been unanimous: Bell Bay must stay" said Mr Donovan.
"This is about more than jobs. It's about the future of an entire region, and about whether Australia backs its own industrial capability."
"With over 2,500 people already signing our petition in just days, and more than 1,000 from Bass, governments can't pretend this isn't a priority."
"Time is running out. Workers are facing rising uncertainty, and without urgent action from the state and federal governments, we risk losing this critical site altogether."
The Bell Bay smelter is the only manganese smelter in Australia, playing a vital role in local steel production and other metals manufacturing. Its future now hinges on bridging support to stabilise operations while a long-term buyer is secured.
