The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) warns any move by Rio Tinto to close Tomago Aluminium would gut one of the region’s key industrial employers.
It follows the multi-national company’s plans to start consultations with its workers on the future of the Port Stephens smelter.
In a letter to its workforce this week, it stated it “must contemplate ceasing operations at the end of our current electricity supply agreement in late 2028”.
ETU NSW/ACT secretary Allen Hicks stated it was imperative Rio Tinto fully explored all available alternatives.
“They need to engage constructively, and in good faith, with unions and governments to deliver a solution that keeps the smelter open, protects Tomago, its workers and Australian taxpayers,” he said.
“Thousands of families are rightfully concerned about what the future holds.
“Any closure would directly impact more than 1,000 locals and have a devastating impact on the broader community.
“That is why it’s crucial that this consultation process is a genuine one… not a cover for a decision the multi-national has already made.”
Mr Hicks queried efforts to blame renewable energy for the closure.
“We’re bound to see some attempt to use this consultation period as fuel for their anti-renewable rhetoric, however that’s nothing but scaremongering,” he said.
“The reality is this comes down to cost and corporate greed.
“NSW’s privatised system had failed both households and industry.
“If the government is serious about delivering a secure, cheap energy future for the state and the industries we rely on, it needs to start by putting our power back in public hands.
“Privatisation has driven power prices up in NSW.
“And, households have been paying for it for years.
“Governments need to take bold action and put real lasting solutions for transitioning heavy industry on the table.
“Australia can power industries like Tomago cleanly and reliably if governments and companies do their job.”
Meanwhile, Paterson MP Meryl Swanson has taken a swipe at the Coalition for politicising the situation.
“I saw my community being used as a political punching bag in chamber, which was pretty disappointing,” she said.
“But, this problem didn’t just arise in the last four years.
“The Opposition is trying to apportion it to the government – they’re trying to say this is all the government’s fault.
“It isn’t.
“Anyone who’s got a scintilla of understanding about the energy market, and the history of this in Australia, realises the problem has been a long time coming – 10 years, 15 years.
“For at least a decade, the former government had 23 unlanded policies.
“Today, we are facing the ramifications of that.”
Ms Swanson said she would fight tooth and nail to preserve Tomago Aluminium.
“The fact Rio Tinto began a consultation process with its workers is a very serious and important step,” she added.
“So, I hope they’re fully-engaged in these negotiations.
“We need them, the state government and Commonwealth to be involved in the talks.
“We’re standing firm in our position by saying everything is on the table.
“We want to keep this smelter in operation.”
For more news stories:
- Work set to start on historic Shepherds Hill Cottage
- Tomago Aluminium closure talks sound an alarm, says Business Hunter
- New playgrounds swing into action across Newcastle
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