Northern Tasmanian smelter operator, Liberty Bell Bay (formerly TEMCO) is placing its George Town plant into a period of ‘limited operations’ its parent company GFG Alliance announced today.
The company blamed global ore supply issues as hampering its steel business, however it has been struggling with debt refinancing and restructuring issues for at least three years.
The full extent of the debt is unknown, but in Australia alone the company owed over $300 million as of February 2025.
The Tasmanian Government says it stands ready to support workers, given that the plant is estimated to provide around 25o local jobs.
The Greens supported the government’s prompt intervention where necessary and noted that they had been raising concerns about the viability of the plant for months.
Read their statements below.
Media release – Eric Abetz, Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, 19 May 2025
Statement on Liberty Bell Bay
Liberty Bell Bay has advised the Tasmanian Government that production is being paused due to global ore supply issues.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, said the Tasmanian Government had been briefed and was taking immediate action to mobilise support for impacted workers, their families and the broader community.
“The Tasmanian Government has been and will continue to maintain very close contact with Liberty Bell Bay and the broader GFG Alliance group as it works through this situation,” Minister Abetz said.
“We will respond accordingly with our focus on ensuring the well-being of the workers, suppliers, contractors and community impacted by this pause.
“As with any business interruption, Jobs Tasmania is now engaging to ensure that any impacted employees are offered a range of supports and services.
“The Tasmanian Government is working with our Federal and South Australian counterparts around local matters.
“I have reached out directly to Tim Ayres, the Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation, to make him aware of the situation as we believe that production out of Liberty Bell Bay is of national strategic importance.
“We are a strong supporter of Liberty Bell Bay and recognise it as a key employer and contributor to the Tasmanian economy – and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders through this period.”
Any Tasmanian business looking to access the State Government’s suite of supports should contact Business Tasmania on 1800 440 026.
Media release – Cecily Rosol MP, Greens Member for Bass, 19 May 2025
Greens Stand In Solidarity With Liberty Bell Bay Workers
The news that Liberty Bell Bay has been placed into a period of limited operations is deeply concerning.
The Greens have been raising concerns about the future of this facility and the jobs it supports for months. With obvious supply issues occurring, as well as huge financial problems for the smelter’s parent company, it’s been clear for a while that Liberty Bell Bay could face some major challenges. It’s awful news to hear these fears have become a reality.
The details about what this decision means for the 250 jobs at the smelter are yet to be fully understood. But there’s no doubt this is going to be a very stressful and hard period for staff and their families.
It’s good to hear the Rockliff Government is already arranging for Jobs Tasmania to provide support for those affected by this decision. The Greens stand in solidarity with these workers, and will do our bit to make sure the government takes any further action that is necessary to support them – or to address the significant potential flow on effect to the wider region.
Media release – Cecily Rosol, MP for Bass; Senator Nick McKim, 20 February 2025
Whyalla steelworks administration raises questions for Bell Bay jobs
The Whyalla steelworks being put into administration by the South Australian Government raises questions for Tasmania’s Liberty Bell Bay facility, also owned by the GFG Alliance.
This major development in SA is the latest in a long line of issues plaguing GFG Alliance. In Australia, GFG owe at least $300 million, and have fallen behind in payments to numerous contractors too. The full extent of their debts is unknown.
Meanwhile in the UK, GFG is under investigation for fraud, fraudulent trading, and money laundering – and company head Sanjeev Gupta is being prosecuted for failing to file accounts for over 70 companies. There are numerous other international issues too.
Cecily Rosol MP:
Whyalla steelworks going into administration raises serious questions about the future of Tasmania’s Liberty Bell Bay facility. As a major industrial and major employer in Lutruwita / Tasmania, the future of the Liberty Bell Bay is crucial for the state.
Given the facility’s importance, the Rockliff Government needs to be working proactively to mitigate what is now clearly a growing risk to the future of the facility. The Liberals must outline what steps it is taking in response to the national and global circumstances around GFG Alliance.
Senator Nick McKim:
Liberty Bell Bay is a major supplier to the Whyalla steelworks. The PM has announced support for Whyalla which the Greens support, but we need to know what the implications are for Bell Bay.
The PM needs to make sure that the interests of Liberty Bell Bay workers and contractors is factored in to the Whyalla assistance package, and be prepared to step in and offer similar assistance in Tasmania if necessary.
Tasmanian Times (TT) is a community-based news and current affairs service covering the island state of Tasmania. It exists to provide a diverse view of Tasmanian issues. TT creates and supports independent media content utilising the best of modern technologies and tried-and-true practices of public-interest journalism.
Support us in expanding our coverage and developing new content by and for Tasmanians.
New initiatives on the way include:
- a weekly podcast covering current affairs
- a revamped website
- a monthly cartoon competition
- a user-friendly app for both Android and Apple devices
- a weekly roundup of key stories
