Job losses in the seat of Bass are becoming a habit under the Federal Coalition Government of Malcolm Turnbull and the State Liberal Government of Will Hodgman after Hazard Systems announced today 24 job losses and a relocation plan to move to Melbourne.
The Member for Bass Ross Hart and Senator Helen Polley said that their thoughts today were with the workers of Hazards and their families as the company offers staff redundancy packages and redeployment opportunities.
“It is sad that this company after 30 years in Launceston will be forced out of the state to remain competitive,” Mr Hart said
“The fact is, this is not the first business in Launceston to close its doors in the last few months. Last month Honeywell announced it was closing its Elster Metering foundry at Youngtown with the loss of 30 jobs. Now we hear of these 24 job losses. Malcolm Turnbull and Will Hodgman need to show some leadership to improve business confidence in Bass,” Senator Polley said.
Hazard systems is expected to close its doors at the end of 2017.
“The silence is deafening. Where is Will Hodgman or Malcolm Turnbull? They were ready and willing to stand in front of cameras and exult that three word slogan ‘jobs and growth’ during an election campaign but now they stand silent. When it comes to making real economic decisions and creating business confidence in Bass they clearly have no answers”, Mr Hart said
Launceston can be a manufacturing hub, the conditions just need to be created to support such an endeavour. Government must work with business to sustain these Launceston industries.
“Definium Technologies based in Cameron street is a strong local manufacturing business which has been supported by government, they are now looking to create another 15 jobs. It can be done. Jobs can be supported and industries can be supported to grow. It is up to Will Hodgman and Malcolm Turnbull to work with local business and the local community to ensure employment opportunities for families.
Today they are silent and it just isn’t good enough,” Senator Polley said.
ROSS HART FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BASS SENATOR HELEN POLLEY SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE LEADER (TASMANIA) SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR AGEING SENATOR FOR TASMANIA
