Bryan Green: West Coast community needs support

State and Federal Liberal Governments must show they have a plan for Tasmania’s West Coast in light of today’s announcement on the Mt Lyell mine, Labor Leader Bryan Green said today.

“My immediate thoughts are with workers and their families, and Labor will work co-operatively with Government, CMT and unions,” Mr Green said today.

“It is a very sad day for workers at the mine and management, which has worked so hard to keep the site operating.

“CMT’s decision to keep workers on at half pay to this point shouldn’t be underestimated.

“I note the Government did offer support to CMT and Labor is willing to work with the Liberals in a bipartisan manner.

“What this news does highlight is the need for an over-arching strategy and leadership from the State and Federal Governments.

“Labor backs the AWU’s call for a taskforce – it’s time for leadership and vision.

“The Liberals at both levels ran election campaigns preaching ‘jobs, jobs, jobs’ – they must articulate to the people of the West Coast that there is a clear path through these problems.

“The Federal Government has been missing in action when it comes to the West Coast.

“The likes of Brett Whiteley were elected on a pro-jobs mantra but they’ve been nowhere to be seen since.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader