Media release – Dept of State Growth, 19 February 2024
Support for Bega workers
Workers impacted by the closure of Bega’s operations in Tasmania’s north west will be supported to find new employment or re-train into different roles.
Jobs Tasmania will engage with Bega to ensure impacted employees receive comprehensive support and information about their options to find new work.
Jobs Tasmania has a range of supports that are available to connect workers to new job opportunities including the Regional Jobs Hub Network and the Career Connector service.
Further, the Rapid Response Skills Initiative through Jobs Tasmania, will be delivered to ensure that impacted workers can access support immediately that will help them gain skills or licences to help them into a new role.
The Rapid Response Skills Initiatives provides up to $3,000 per eligible individual to access training and skills that will help them move into other roles quickly.
Other businesses concerned about the impact of Bega’s decision, including suppliers and contractors, should contact Business Tasmania on 1800 440 026 for advice and support.
Media release – AWU, 19 February 2024
Betta Milk factory closure a blow for dairy processing in North West Tasmania
Today’s announcement by Bega that they will close the Betta Milk factory in Burnie is a blow for dairy processing in north west Tasmania, said the union that represents the workers.
Bega, which acquired Betta Milk in December, announced today they will close the Betta Milk factory in Burnie with the loss of 21 jobs.
Robert Flanagan from the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) said it was a big blow for dairy processing in north western Tasmania.
“The union’s strong preference would have been for Bega to update their infrastructure rather than rationalising the factory out of existence in the way that it has,” said Mr Flanagan.
“The Betta Milk operation has had a footprint in Burnie for 70 years and has been a part of the fabric of that community over those years so it’s devastating the factory will be closed.
“The workforce at Betta Milk has a very discrete skill set, and the union has held discussions today following the announcement with Saputo, who have a factory in Burnie, and Fonterra who have a factory in nearby Wynyard, to explore employment opportunities at their operations.
“Both companies have been supportive of seeing what they can do to place Betta Milk workers within their respective operations.
“The dairy sector is very discrete in what it does, these workers won’t need to be trained, they should readily adjust to the working environment of Saputo and Fonterra.
“The last thing we want to see is regional jobs lost altogether,” said Mr Flanagan.
Media release – Shane Broad MP, Shadow Treasurer, Member for Braddon, 19 February 2024
More North-West jobs lost as the economy heads in the wrong direction
News that Bega Group will relocate its milk processing from its Burnie factory to Hobart is another devastating blow for the north-west economy.
This is especially disappointing for the north-west community who have been very loyal to Betta and for many years have paid a higher price for their milk to support the local factory and local jobs.
The 23 job losses – on top of the 200 lost with the closure of Avebury mine and with Fonterra cancelling its milk contract with VDL – is not what the region needs during a cost of living crisis.
This will put more pressure on families who are already doing it tough and now may be left without an income.
Workers will be feeling the weight of this decision and it is important that support is provided during this difficult time.
The Liberal Government has had 10 years to support the economy and jobs on the north-west coast but they haven’t kept their finger on the pulse.
It is clear the Liberals need to go and Tasmania can’t afford 14 years under their leadership.
