newy.com.au – The NSW Government’s commitment to support the future of the Tomago aluminium smelter has been welcomed as a significant step towards protecting thousands of Hunter jobs and one of Australia’s key industrial assets.
The commitment was included in the State Budget, although no specific funding allocation has yet been announced for the smelter. The Electrical Trades Union NSW/ACT says the move nevertheless acknowledges Tomago’s importance to the state’s economy, manufacturing sector and energy system.
ETU NSW/ACT Secretary Allen Hicks said the future of the facility extended well beyond the smelter itself, with thousands of direct and indirect jobs linked to its continued operation.
“The future of thousands of Hunter jobs are tied to the future of Tomago,” Mr Hicks said.
“This Budget sends an encouraging signal that the NSW Government recognises what’s at stake and is prepared to work with the Commonwealth to keep this critical facility operating.”
The union is now seeking a long-term plan from the NSW and federal governments that would give workers and the wider Hunter community greater certainty about the smelter’s future.
Tomago is one of the region’s largest employers and remains an important part of the Hunter’s industrial base. The ETU says securing its future would also support Australia’s domestic manufacturing capability at a time when the future of heavy industry is closely tied to changes in the nation’s energy system.
“Protecting Tomago means protecting thousands of direct and indirect jobs, supporting Australian manufacturing and ensuring the Hunter remains an industrial powerhouse for decades to come,” Mr Hicks said.
“The Hunter cannot afford to lose one of its biggest employers, and Australia cannot afford to walk away from sovereign manufacturing capability.”
Mr Hicks said continued government support for the smelter would provide an opportunity to demonstrate that energy-intensive industries could remain part of an economy increasingly powered by renewable energy.
“This is an opportunity for governments to demonstrate that there is a future for heavy industry in an economy powered by renewable energy,” he said.
While welcoming the recognition contained in the Budget, the union said the next step would be converting the commitment into measures capable of securing Tomago’s operations over the long term.
“The challenge now is turning this commitment into a long-term plan that gives workers, their families and the broader community certainty,” Mr Hicks said.
“Today’s Budget commitment is an important step forward. We look forward to working with both levels of government to ensure Tomago remains a source of secure jobs and energy reliability for generations to come.”
